Last updated: February 11, 2024
Penalties
Advertising and Promotion
Tobacco companies and business operators
Individuals, families, communities, society, legal entities, and organizations that support the advertising and promotion of tobacco products
Relevant civil servants and officials of the State
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Health Sector
The Tobacco Control Law imposes a duty upon tobacco companies and “business operators," which is defined to include manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, not to advertise tobacco products. Article 47 furthers holds liable any individuals, families, communities, society, legal entities, and organizations that support the advertising of tobacco products; therefore, advertising agencies may also be held responsible. Article 50 prohibits relevant civil servants and officials of the State to allow any form of advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
Agreement No. 1067 specifies five agencies that have a duty to conduct inspections on advertising bans, while Decree No. 369 states that the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Finance have authority to enforce advertising bans.
Individuals or organizations that violate the law will be warned for a first offense, fined 40 million kip for a second offense, and fined 80 million kip for each subsequent offense. In addition to a fine, third and subsequent offenses may be punishable by license suspension or revocation.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that it imposes increased penalties for repeat violations.
Sponsorship
Tobacco companies and business operators
Individuals, families, communities, society, legal entities, and organizations that support the advertising and promotion of tobacco products
Relevant civil servants and officials of the State
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Health Sector
The Tobacco Control Law imposes a duty upon tobacco companies and “business operators," which is defined to include manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, from providing sponsorship. Article 47 furthers holds liable any individuals, families, communities, society, legal entities, and organizations for receiving sponsorship and support from tobacco companies and business operators. Article 50 prohibits relevant civil servants and officials of the State for accepting sponsorship and support from tobacco companies and business operators.
Individuals or organizations that violate the law will be warned for a first offense, fined 40 million kip for a second offense, and fined 80 million kip for each subsequent offense. In addition to a fine, third and subsequent offenses may be punishable by license suspension or revocation.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that it imposes increased penalties for repeat violations.
