Last updated: May 30, 2023

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes unless “they are inside a pack.” Therefore, the sale of single cigarette sticks is prohibited.

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

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits vending machine sales of tobacco products.

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

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales. The law does prohibit the delivery of tobacco products through the mail. Absent an explicit ban on internet tobacco sales, however, this prohibition is not interpreted as relating to 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

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the importation, distribution, sale, and use of waterpipe tobacco and related devices.

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

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.