Last updated: August 20, 2020

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of opened packages of cigarettes and cigarettes not in their original packaging. This effectively bans the sale of single cigarettes.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes. For greater clarity, the law should affirmatively prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The sale of tobacco products through vending machines is prohibited everywhere except closed areas of hotel facilities. Additionally, the law prohibits tobacco product sales at any place where the consumer may serve himself/herself.

To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales in all places.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit internet tobacco product sales. However, all tobacco advertising and promotion on the internet would be prohibited. Technically, such sales are permitted in the unlikely scenario that they do not involve any advertising and promotional elements.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all educational institutions.

Playgrounds

Uncertain
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all recreation facilities. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered recreational facilities, the regulatory status code “Uncertain” is given.

Stadiums/arenas

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all types of sport facilities.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare institutions.

Cultural facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

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

No
Analysis

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

No
Analysis

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

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