Botswana

Tobacco Control Policies

Botswana became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 1, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Designated smoking rooms are permitted in most indoor public places and indoor workplaces, and on many forms public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Many direct forms of advertising are prohibited, including domestic TV, radio, and print media; internet; billboards; and conventional mail. However, the ban does not cover many promotional practices/activities, such as competitions associated with tobacco products, discounts, and retailer incentive programs. Sponsorship by the tobacco industry is allowed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The law does not set forth requirements for health warnings on tobacco packaging and labeling, nor does the law prohibit misleading packaging and labeling.

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 Botswana are well below these recommendations.   

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities No
Private offices No
Primary and secondary schools No
Public transport No
Universities No
Restaurants No
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs No
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Uncertain
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts No
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
Point-of-sale advertising Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display Uncertain
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution No
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts No
Number of published warnings at any given time 0
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Not Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 0%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) No
Front 0%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling No
Back 0%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products No
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 48.00 BWP
Total taxes 55%
In US dollars 3.85 USD
Total excise 38%

Sources:

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

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: December 13, 2021