Congo

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 explicitly states that “the customers cannot have access to [tobacco products] without the assistance of an employee. Vending machines selling tobacco and its derived products may not be installed, maintained or kept.”

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to tobacco sales through vending machines.

The law expressly prohibits “[s]upplying or distributing tobacco and its derived products . . . and selling and offering to sell on the internet or on any other communication medium.” In addition, the law specifies that “[r]etail sales of tobacco must be made in a point of sale in the physical presence of the owner of the point of sale or their employee and the buyer.”

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet tobacco product sales.

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.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in and around schools/educational facilities.

The law provides that “retail sales of tobacco must be made in a point of sale.” A “point of sale” is defined as “all premises permanently demarcated by continuous walls or partitions extending from the floor to the ceiling, that customers can only enter through a door, in which the owner of the premises retails tobacco and its derived products.” Therefore, the sale of tobacco products in open-air places such as playgrounds is prohibited.

The law provides that “retail sales of tobacco must be made in a point of sale.” A “point of sale” is defined as “all premises permanently demarcated by continuous walls or partitions extending from the floor to the ceiling, that customers can only enter through a door, in which the owner of the premises retails tobacco and its derived products.” Therefore, tobacco products could be sold within a separate store within a stadium or arena; however, tobacco products could not be sold at a kiosk or concession stand within a stadium or arena. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

The law provides that “retail sales of tobacco must be made in a point of sale.” A “point of sale” is defined as “all premises permanently demarcated by continuous walls or partitions extending from the floor to the ceiling, that customers can only enter through a door, in which the owner of the premises retails tobacco and its derived products.” Therefore, tobacco products could be sold within a separate store within a healthcare facility; however, tobacco products could not be sold at a kiosk or concession stand within a healthcare facility. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

The law provides that “retail sales of tobacco must be made in a point of sale.” A “point of sale” is defined as “all premises permanently demarcated by continuous walls or partitions extending from the floor to the ceiling, that customers can only enter through a door, in which the owner of the premises retails tobacco and its derived products.” Therefore, tobacco products could be sold within a separate store within a cultural facility; however, tobacco products could not be sold at a kiosk concession stand within a cultural facility. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

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.

The law does not require a specific retail license to sell tobacco products.

To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.