Last updated: December 17, 2019

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Allowed
Analysis

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

Banned
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the "importation, distribution and sale of shisha or hookah and accessories." Therefore, the sale of waterpipe tobacco is banned.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

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

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in athletic facilities.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Offices (public, semi-public and private offices)

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public, semi-public and private offices.

Within 500 meters of another point of sale

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law requires that the distance between two points of sale be at least equal to 500 meters if tobacco is the main product sold. Since the law does not require 500 meters between all places where tobacco is sold, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given, rather than "Banned."

Workplaces and public places

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits tobacco shops in any workplace or public place or location accommodating the public. The law provides specific examples of public places, including but not limited to stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, cinemas, night clubs, but fails to define workplaces.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a 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.