Bhutan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in most indoor and outdoor public places and on public transport. The law makes an exception for hotels and lodging, recreation centers, and bars and discotheques, where the persons in charge can choose to designate certain rooms or areas for smoking or declare the entire premises smoke free. Although most workplaces are covered under the ban on smoking in public places, a few workplaces remain uncovered. In addition to outdoor public places generally, the law specifically includes vegetable markets, playing fields, festivals and traditional celebrations in a non-exhaustive list of public places designated as smoke free.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits virtually all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including direct tobacco advertising through any medium. However, forms such as reverse brand stretching are not prohibited, and forms such as toys and candy that resemble tobacco products are restricted. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The sale of tobacco products is prohibited in Bhutan. Accordingly, the law does not provide for health warnings. Tobacco products, however, may be imported for personal consumption. Imported products must display the country of origin; and health warnings as required in that country. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited on imported products. 

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 Bhutan are well below these recommendations.