Jordan

Tobacco Control Policies

Jordan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in hospitals, health centers, schools, cinemas, theaters, public libraries, museums, governmental and non-governmental public premises, means of transportation, arrivals and departures halls at airports, enclosed stadiums, lecture-halls and any other place deemed by the Minister as public. The law fails to list all indoor public places and workplaces, so smoking is restricted or completely unrestricted in some places. Further, the law authorizes the Minister of Health to allow designated smoking areas in public places. The Ministry of Health has allowed a phase-in of the smoking ban in restaurants. The current policy is that 50 percent of seats must be reserved for non-smokers. The Ministry has not yet allowed smoking rooms in other places.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Almost all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited, including in traditional and electronic media. However, some forms of indirect promotion, such as retailer incentive programs, may escape the ban. Tobacco sponsorship is not restricted.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Although the law requires health warnings on all tobacco products, health warnings have been authorized for cigarette packs only. Therefore, other tobacco products do not carry health warnings. On cigarette packs, the authorized text-only health warning must occupy 40 percent of the front of the pack, placed length-wise down the long edge of the pack. One of four authorized combined picture and text warnings must occupy 40 percent of the back of the pack, placed along the bottom edge. Misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, and figurative and other signs are 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 Jordan are below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices No
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport Yes
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 Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
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 5
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 40%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 40%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 40%
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 2.25 JOD
Total taxes 78%
In US dollars 3.17 USD
Total excise 64%

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: January 22, 2021