Congo

Congo became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 7, 2007.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces, public places, and on public transport. In addition, the law prohibits smoking in open and semi-open public places.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale advertising and product display. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires rotating health warnings on at least 30 percent of the surface of tobacco product packaging. Despite a decree defining "health messages and warnings" to be composed of images and text, the prescribed health warnings contain text only. Misleading terms, such as “low tar,” are prohibited on tobacco packaging, but other misleading packaging (e.g., colors, numbers, and symbols) is not prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents in cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors, ingredients associated with energy and vitality, and ingredients which may create an impression of health benefits. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents or emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via the internet and vending machines, as well as in and around schools and outside “points of sale.” In addition, the law prohibits the sale of waterpipe tobacco. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 12–2012 of July 4, 2012 is the primary piece of tobacco control legislation. Four implementing decrees have been issued – (1) Decree No. 2018-216 of June 5, 2018 Concerning the Prohibition of Smoking in Places used by the Public, (2) Decree No. 2018-217 of June 5, 2018 Concerning the Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco and Its Derivative Products, (3) Decree No. 2018-18 of June 5, 2018 Implementing the Ban on Advertising and Promotion of Tobacco and Its Derived Products and Sale to Minors and by Minors, and (4) Decree No. 2022-483 of August 16, 2022 Establishing a Marking System for Tobacco Products Manufactured or Imported Into Congo. Order No. 2853 of May 31, 2022 bans the manufacture, import, distribution, possession, sale, and free distribution of flavor capsule cigarettes, cigarettes with characterizing flavors, and waterpipe tobacco. Order No. 1351 of March 8, 2023 contains requirements related to health warnings and unique identifiers under the tracking and tracing system.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.