Eswatini

Tobacco Control Policies

The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly the Kingdom of Swaziland) became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on April 13, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: The law restricts smoking to designated areas in enclosed public places, which includes “a public conveyance or transport,” and enclosed workplaces.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits many forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. Point of sale advertising is limited to signs that simply indicate tobacco products are available for sale. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: All tobacco product packages must display text-only warnings covering 50 percent of the principal display areas of the pack.The law does not specify rotation. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” 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 Eswatini 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 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 No
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 Not Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 50%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 50%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 50%
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 SZL
Total taxes 54%
In US dollars 2.90 USD
Total excise 41%

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: May 15, 2020