Laos

Laos became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 5, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transportation are smoke free. Although the law specifies some places where designated smoking areas are required, implementing legislation clarifies that designated smoking areas must be outdoors and at least 10 meters away from doors and windows of the building. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas of educational and healthcare facilities, and restricted in outdoor stadiums and parks.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a general ban on advertising and promotion; however, there is an exemption for advertising at point of sale. In addition, promotional practices such as reverse brand stretching and retailer incentive programs may not be covered. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Text and picture warnings must occupy 75 percent of the front and back of cigarette packaging. Manufacturers must print the six authorized warnings in rotation, changing the warning at intervals of 50,000 packs. Health warnings are not required on smokeless tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “mild,” “medium,” and “light,” is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents

The law does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines and in educational facilities, stadiums, healthcare institutions, cultural facilities, and other specified locations. The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and small packets of cigarettes. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of tobacco products via the internet. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Law on Tobacco Control is the primary legislation on tobacco control and regulates, among other things, smoking in public places, packaging and labeling of tobacco products, and tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. There are three current implementing decrees/agreements. Agreement No. 1067/MPH, issued by the Ministry of Public Health, implements the Law on Tobacco Control including regulations on packaging and labeling, no-smoking signs, designated smoking areas, and some advertising and promotion provisions. Decree No. 369 regulates tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Penalties for violations are specified in Decree No. 52. Decree No. 155/G establishes the Tobacco Control Fund and regulates income sources, use of funds, and management bodies and responsibilities.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.