Guatemala

Tobacco Control Policies

Guatemala became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 13, 2006.
 
Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited anywhere in workplaces and closed public places. There is one limited exemption to the complete indoor smoking ban for hotel and motel guestrooms.  Smoking is also prohibited on all public transportation. 
 
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is generally allowed, with a few restrictions on some forms of tobacco advertising. Tobacco advertising may not air during “children’s programming hours.” In addition, tobacco advertising may not show consumption of tobacco products and may not use human models, cartoons, sports athletes, or public figures. All advertising must be approved prior to release. Health warnings are required on all advertising.
 
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: One of five text health warnings must occupy 25 percent of the front surface of the pack. The warning “Use of this product causes serious health damage” must be printed on the side of the pack. The size of the side panel warning is not specified. 
 
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 Guatemala 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? No
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio No
Promotional discounts No
Domestic magazines and newspapers No
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names No
Outdoor advertising No
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names No
Point-of-sale advertising No
Paid placement in media No
Retail product display No
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility No
Internet advertising No
Publicity of sponsorships No
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 5
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 25%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 25%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 25%
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 22.50 GTQ
Total taxes 49%
In US dollars 2.91 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: June 1, 2020