Sales Restrictions
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products by vending machines; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting tobacco product sales through vending machines.
To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products “to minors or through minors via the internet.” The penalty provisions contained in Art. 22(3) however prohibit the sale of tobacco products for all internet sales, not just internet sales to minors. Because of this conflict, the regulatory status, “Uncertain” is given.
To fully align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that all internet tobacco product sales are prohibited.
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.