Last updated: September 27, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
Although there is no explicit provision banning the sale of single cigarette sticks, the table of violations and sanctions provides a penalty for the sale of a single cigarette. Therefore, the law is interpreted as prohibiting single stick sales.
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 sale of tobacco products by vending machines is restricted to locations where access is permitted only to those above the age of 18. In addition, tobacco products in vending machines must be displayed so that the health warning on the package is visible.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that it prohibits vending machine sales to minors. To fully align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should completely prohibit the sale of tobacco products by vending machines, regardless of location, as vending machines are an inherent form of advertising and promotion.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
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
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 law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in educational facilities.
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 prohibits 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.
Government facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all public facilities, including state entities, public offices, and government premises.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 10 sticks.
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.
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.
