Last updated: February 26, 2024
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law only permits the sale of cigarettes in unopened packs containing at least 20 cigarette sticks. This effectively 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
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
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through remote means, including through the internet.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of a smokeless tobacco product.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of a waterpipe and a tobacco product for use in connection with a waterpipe. However, the law allows the import of waterpipe and waterpipe tobacco by hotels for use in certain areas.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale, or offer to sell, of tobacco products in educational establishments. In addition, the law prohibits new points of sale within a radius of 200 meters of an educational institution but exempts retail premises operating before the 2022 Regulations, as amended, enter force (May 31, 2023) from this provision. Nonetheless, the regulatory status code “Banned” is given because all sales in schools are prohibited.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale, or offer to sell, of tobacco products within a radius of 200 meters of a playground, but exempts retail premises operating before the 2022 Regulations, as amended, enter force (May 31, 2023) from this provision.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale, or offer to sell, of tobacco products at a sporting venue or event. In addition, the law prohibits new points of sale within a radius of 200 meters of a sports or leisure facility but exempts retail premises operating before the 2022 Regulations, as amended, enter force (May 31, 2023) from this provision. Nonetheless, the regulatory status code “Banned” is given because all sales in sports venues are prohibited.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in health institutions.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities, including at an entertainment, music, dance, or social venue or event.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
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
The law prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of a smokeless tobacco products. Therefore, this requirement is not applicable.
Minimum number of cigarillos or little cigars per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarillos or little cigars in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
Minimum weight of pipe tobacco or any other tobacco product per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of pipe tobacco or any other tobacco product in unit packages weighing less than 30 grams or more than 50 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
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.
