Last updated: January 23, 2023
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The General Law on Tobacco Control prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
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 in this respect.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
Article 16(IV) of the General Law on Tobacco Control specifically prohibits internet sales of tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting 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.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The General Law on Tobacco Control prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public and private primary and secondary schools.
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 does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The General Law on Tobacco Control prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 14.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes. To more fully align, the law should require a minimum of 20 cigarette sticks per packet.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Cut tobacco
The General Law on Tobacco Control prohibits the sale of cut tobacco in bags weighing less than 10 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
