Kosovo

Tobacco Control Policies

Kosovo is not a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.  

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in nearly all indoor public places and workplaces. Designated smoking rooms are permitted in certain healthcare facilities, retirement communities, prisons, and hotel rooms. 

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: All forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are prohibited. All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Kosovo requires text warnings cover 32 percent of the front and 45 percent of the back of all tobacco products. The front must have one of two general warnings, and the back must have one of eleven additional warnings. Rotation is required, but the law does not provide instructions as to the timing of the rotations. Thirty-six months following the implementation of the law, additional graphic warnings will be required on the back side of the pack. The total size of the warnings will not change. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar,” 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 tax information from Kosovo is currently unavailable.

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 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 13
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 38.5%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 32%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 45%
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 0.00
Total taxes 0%
In US dollars 0.00 USD
Total excise 0%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Last updated: August 20, 2020