Jamaica became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on October 5, 2005.
Smoke Free Places: There is a comprehensive ban on smoking in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport. The law also prohibits smoking in several outdoor places and within five meters of entrances, exits, windows, and ventilation intakes of a public place, workplace, or public transport.
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is no legislation that specifically addresses tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Instead, several laws address certain means of advertising, such as a ban on tobacco advertising on domestic television and radio, and restrictions on outdoor advertising and brand marking. Most other forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are permitted. Tobacco sponsorship is not restricted.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating graphic health warnings are required on 60 percent of the two principal display areas (front and back) on both unit and outside packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, including 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 Jamaica 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?
Yes
|
|
| BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP | |
|---|---|
|
Domestic TV and radio
Yes
|
Promotional discounts
No
|
|
Domestic magazines and newspapers
No
|
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
No
|
|
Retail product display
No
|
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
Yes
|
Number of published warnings at any given time
8
|
|
Warnings include a picture or graphic
Yes
|
Warnings required to rotate
Required
|
|
% of principal display areas covered (front and back)
60%
|
Warnings are written in the principal language(s)
Yes
|
|
Front
60%
|
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling
Yes
|
|
Back
60%
|
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products
Yes
|
| TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE | |
|---|---|
| PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES | TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE) |
|
In country currency
1400.00
JMD
|
Total taxes
39%
|
|
In US dollars
9.14
USD
|
Total excise
24%
|
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 15, 2021