Netherlands

Tobacco Control Policies

The Netherlands became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on April 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in the outdoor premises of educational facilities (including primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education facilities).

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Tobacco advertising and sponsorship is generally prohibited. However, there is an exemption for tobacco specialty stores. Tobacco advertising and product display is allowed at these stores subject to restrictions. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Smoked tobacco product packaging must carry one of 14 combined (picture/text) health warnings covering 65 percent of the front and back of the package. There are three sets of 14 combined health warnings. Each set must appear for one year and be succeeded by the next set. The 14 combined health warnings within each set must appear equally in a given year. In addition, tobacco product packaging must contain a general warning and informational message. Smokeless tobacco products must carry a single text health message covering 30 percent of the two largest surfaces. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, 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 Netherlands are 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 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 14
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 65%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 65%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 65%
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 8.20 EUR
Total taxes 77%
In US dollars 8.36 USD
Total excise 60%

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 31, 2025