Congo

Tobacco Control Policies

Congo became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 7, 2007.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces, public places, and on public transport. In addition, the law prohibits smoking in open and semi-open public places.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale advertising and product display. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The law requires rotating health warnings on at least 30 percent of the surface of tobacco product packaging. Despite a decree defining "health messages and warnings" to be composed of images and text, the prescribed health warnings contain text only. Misleading terms, such as “low tar,” are prohibited on tobacco packaging, but other misleading packaging (e.g., colors, numbers, and symbols) is not 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 Congo 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? Uncertain
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
Point-of-sale advertising 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 Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 2
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 30%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 30%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 30%
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 750.00 XAF
Total taxes 25%
In US dollars 1.17 USD
Total excise 9%

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: August 7, 2024