PDF

Laos

Tobacco Control Policies

Laos became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 5, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: Indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transportation are smoke free. Although the law specifies some places where designated smoking areas are required, implementing legislation clarifies that designated smoking areas must be outdoors and at least 10 meters away from doors and windows of the building. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas of educational and healthcare facilities, and restricted in outdoor stadiums and parks.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a general ban on advertising and promotion; however, there is an exemption for advertising at point of sale. In addition, promotional practices such as reverse brand stretching and retailer incentive programs may not be covered. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Text and picture warnings must occupy 75 percent of the front and back of cigarette packaging. Manufacturers must print the six authorized warnings in rotation, changing the warning at intervals of 50,000 packs. Health warnings are not required on smokeless tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “mild,” “medium,” and “light,” 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 Laos 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? Uncertain
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Uncertain
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
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters) No
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 Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 6
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 75%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 75%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 75%
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 7000.00 LAK
Total taxes 12%
In US dollars 0.77 USD
Total excise 3%

Sources:

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

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2021. Available at: www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/

Last updated: September 21, 2020