Liberia

Tobacco Control Policies

Liberia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 14, 2009.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport, except for: (1) private homes “where no public business is transacted,” (2) personal vehicles “when used for private purposes [and] no minor is in the vehicle,” (3) “outdoors in predominantly or substantially open areas,” and (4) “specially designated areas” that meet specific requirements. However, sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There are no restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is allowed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Tobacco product packaging and labeling is not regulated; health warnings and messages are not required.

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 Liberia are well below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities No
Private offices No
Primary and secondary schools No
Public transport No
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 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 No
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts No
Number of published warnings at any given time 0
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Not Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 0%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) No
Front 0%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling No
Back 0%
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 280.00 LRD
Total taxes 35%
In US dollars 1.84 USD
Total excise 25%

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: September 17, 2019