Summary
Cameroon became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 4, 2006.
Smoke Free Places
Smoking is prohibited in schools, universities and Ministry buildings. Smoking is not regulated in any other indoor public place, indoor workplace or on any means of public transportation.
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship
There is a ban on tobacco advertising and promotion on television, radio and in the printed press as well as on outdoor advertising. Tobacco sponsorship is allowed, but there are some restrictions on the publicity of such sponsorship.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling
The law requires rotating pictorial health warnings on 70 percent of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.
Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation
Three circulars restrict smoking in certain public places and workplaces, such as educational institutions and government buildings. These circulars are: Ministry of Economy and Finances Circular No. 07/788; Ministry of Secondary Education Circular No. 15/07 on Creating Non-Smoking Areas and Anti-Smoking Clubs in Schools; and Ministry of Higher Education Circular No. 0001 on Tobacco Control in the Central Services of the Ministry of Higher Education and Public Academic Institutions. Law No. 2006/018 governs tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Joint Order No. 0001/2018 governs tobacco product packaging and labeling, replacing Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Commerce Order No. 967 of June 2007. The Joint Order was originally supposed to enter into effect on January 3, 2019, but implementation was delayed to June 12, 2019.
Review Status
This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.
Policy Fact Sheets
Smoke Free Places Fact Sheet (FCTC Article 8)
Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship Fact Sheet (FCTC Article 13)
Recent Decisions
No decision found