Cameroon Details | Tobacco Control Laws

Last updated: October 17th 2018

Introduction

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 text-only health warnings to appear on at least 50 percent of the main surfaces on tobacco product packages. Beginning in July 2019, the law will require pictorial health warnings on 70 percent of the front and back surfaces. (The new health warning requirements were scheduled to enter into force on January 3, 2019. However, it is our understanding that the effective date has been delayed by six months.)

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. Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Commerce Order No. 967, enacted in June 2007, governs tobacco product packaging and labeling, replacing the 1997 Law No. 0016 on Health Warnings on Tobacco Product Packaging. Order No. 967 will be replaced by Joint Order No. 0001/2018 beginning beginning in July 2019 (the original effective date was January 3, 2019, but this has been delayed by six months).