Namibia

Tobacco Control Policies

Namibia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 5, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in virtually all indoor public places and indoor workplaces, and on all means of public transportation. Smoking is also prohibited in certain outdoor areas including: (1) outdoor areas of private dwellings used for any commercial childcare activity or for schooling or tutoring; and (2) outdoor areas a distance of two meters from windows, ventilation inlets, and entrances and exits of public places and workplaces.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Nearly all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited. The law, however, allows point of sale product display. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating health warnings are comprised of text and pictures and cover 50 percent of the front and 60 percent of the back of packages. The use of misleading terms, descriptors, and other signs that directly or indirectly creates an impression that one tobacco product is less harmful than another on tobacco product packaging is banned. Qualitative statements on constituents and emissions are required. However, the law also requires that the emission yields such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide be displayed on tobacco product packaging and this may mislead consumers into believing one tobacco product is safer than another.

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 Namibia 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 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 12
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 55%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 50%
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 50.00 NAD
Total taxes 51%
In US dollars 3.04 USD
Total excise 38%

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 29, 2020