Sales Restrictions
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes “other than in unbroken packages containing not less than ten or twenty cigarettes.” 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.
The law specifically prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machine, the definition of which is included in the law.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.
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.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales, regardless of age, as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
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.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 10 sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes. To more fully align, the law should require a minimum of 20 cigarette sticks per packet.
The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 30 grams.
The law prohibits the sale of bidis in packages containing fewer than 10 sticks.
Retail Licensing Requirements
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 to sell tobacco products.