Lao PDR

Ministry of Health; Department of Sanitation and Health; Environmental Police Unit; Information, Culture, Tourism staff; Finance Department; Industry and Commerce Department

The Tobacco Control Law imposes a duty upon "tobacco business operators," which is defined to include manufacturers, importers, and distributors, not to advertise tobacco products. Article 50 furthers holds liable any "individuals or organization that advertise tobacco products or support the advertisement of tobacco products"; therefore, advertising agencies may also be held responsible.

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.

Ministry of Health; Department of Sanitation and Health; Environmental Police Unit; Information, Culture, Tourism staff; Finance Department; Industry and Commerce Department

The Tobacco Control Law prohibits "tobacco business operators," which is defined to include manufacturers, importers and distributors, from providing sponsorship.

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.