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Benin

Tobacco Control Policies

Benin became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 1, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits nearly all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. The law does not appear to restrict unpaid depiction of tobacco products or use, and the status of advertising by conventional mail, phone, and direct person-to-person communications is uncertain. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating combined picture and text warnings are required to cover 75 percent of the front and back of tobacco product packaging. However, the Ministry of Health has not yet issued the required health warnings. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “mild” and other signs, is prohibited. Beginning in March 2022, picture and text health warnings will be required to cover 90 percent of the two main surfaces of tobacco product packaging.

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 Benin are well below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices Yes
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport Yes
Universities Yes
Restaurants Yes
Governmental facilities Yes
Bars and Pubs Yes
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters) Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display Yes
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Uncertain
Number of published warnings at any given time Uncertain
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 75%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Uncertain
Front 75%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 75%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 500.00 XOF
Total taxes 10%
In US dollars 0.90 USD
Total excise 8%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2021. Available at: www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/

Last updated: November 10, 2021