Albania became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on July 25, 2006. 

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is banned in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport, with the sole exception of mental health institutions, which allow patients to smoke.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

Most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are banned. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Combined picture and text warnings must occupy 65 percent of the front and back sides of packaging for smoked tobacco products (excluding cigars, cigarillos and heated tobacco products which have warnings of a different size) and smokeless tobacco (excluding certain forms of tobacco for oral use which cannot be sold in Albania, e.g., snus). The 11 combined warnings must be rotated in a manner so as to “ensure consistent display.” For cigars and cigarillos, the health warnings must cover 30 percent of the two largest sides of the packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “low tar content,” “light,” “ultra light,” “mild,” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices

The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Albania are below these recommendations.

Review Status

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