Last updated: August 27, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
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.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law prohibits sale of tobacco products “by means of distance contracts.” The prohibition on tobacco product distance contracts is interpreted as banning tobacco product internet sales.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet tobacco product sales. For greater clarity, however, the law should clearly state that internet sales of tobacco products are prohibited.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law prohibits the sale of nasal tobacco, chewing tobacco, and tobacco products for oral use.
The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe 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.
However, the law prohibits waterpipe tobacco containing certain additives.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in educational institutions.
Playgrounds
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in sports arenas and on the premises of sports organizations.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
State government institutions
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products on the premises of state government institutions. This prohibition does not apply to the National Armed Forces or to places of imprisonment where adult prisoners are held.
Store departments selling children’s goods
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in store departments where children’s goods are sold.
Self-serve retail outlets
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in retail outlets where sales are not organized so as to individually serve each purchaser. This prohibition does not apply to tax-free retail stores specified in the laws and regulations regulating the customs field.
Social care institutions
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in social care institutions.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
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.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of nasal tobacco, chewing tobacco, and tobacco products for oral use. Therefore, this requirement is not applicable.
Minimum weight of roll-your-own tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of roll-your-own tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 30 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a “special permit” (license) to sell tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
