Last updated: September 23, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
Decree No. 28 of 2002 prohibits the sale of cigarettes individually and from open consumer packaging.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
Decree No. 28 of 2002 prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products through vending machines.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machines sales of tobacco products.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
Decree No. 28 of 2002 prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products through the internet.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
Smokeless tobacco products are not produced locally in Belarus. However, smokeless tobacco products are imported into Belarus; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe 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
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in physical training and sports facilities.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities, including in theaters.
Trade fairs, auctions, trading places in markets, commission trade, trade outside of the trading sites, peddling
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through trade fairs, auctions, trading places in markets, commission trade, and trade outside of the trading sites. In addition, the law prohibits peddling, with the exception of duty-free sales on board international flights.
Specialized stores in which goods for children and adolescents are sold
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in specialized stores (including departments/sections of other stores) in which goods for children and adolescents are sold.
Stores and pavilions with retail space of at least 1,000 square meters
The sale of tobacco products is restricted to specific “trade departments” in stores and pavilions with retail space of 1,000 or more square meters.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
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.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs engaged in the retail trade of tobacco products must be registered in the Republic of Belarus and possess a special permit (license).
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
