Sales Restrictions
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes other than in their original package. Therefore, 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.
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.
The sale of tobacco products via the internet is allowed.
The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act (TAPA) 2002, as amended by Sec. 4(5) of the TAPA (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (adding Sec. 4(1B)), excludes the sale of tobacco products by internet from the definition of an advertisement. Therefore, the internet sale of tobacco products and their display on websites are allowed. Cross-border internet retailers must register with the Secretary of State and operate an age verification system that confirms the consumer's age prior to, or at the time of sale. The law does not address age-verification requirements for domestic internet retailers.
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 production and sale of "tobacco for oral use" is banned. "Tobacco for oral use" is defined as "a tobacco product which is - (a) intended for oral use, unless it is intended to be inhaled or chewed; and (b) in powder or particulate form or any combination of these forms, whether presented in a sachet portion or a porous sachet, or in any other way." However, other types of smokeless tobacco products are permitted. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.
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 20 sticks. The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
The production and sale of tobacco for oral use is prohibited. The law does not specify a minimum weight requirement for other types of smokeless tobacco products.
The law prohibits the sale of roll-your-own tobacco ("hand rolling tobacco") in a unit package of less than 30 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to register in order to sell tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to be approved by the government to sell tobacco products.