Last updated: August 2, 2022

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Allowed
Analysis

The law prohibits vending machine sales without verifying the consumer's age. Because of the difficulty of age verification, the verification requirement is not interpreted as prohibiting vending machine sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

The law prohibits internet tobacco sales without verifying the consumer’s age. Because of the difficulty of age verification via the
internet, the age verification requirement is not interpreted as prohibiting internet sales.

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

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

Healthcare facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 30 grams.

Minimum number of rolled cigarettes per package

Yes
Analysis

The law requires each rolled cigarette pack to be packaged with a minimum of 50 rolled cigarettes.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.