Norway

Tobacco Control Policies

Norway became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.  

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces and indoor public places, subject to a few exceptions which permit smoking in living quarters in institutions that replace the residents' home and up to one half of hotel guest rooms. Smoking is prohibited on all means of public transport. In addition, smoking is prohibited in all outdoor areas of daycare facilities, primary schools, and secondary schools, and near the entrances to health institutions and public offices. Sub-national jurisdictions may not enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a ban on direct and indirect forms of tobacco advertising. The display of tobacco products, other than at tobacconist shops, is prohibited. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The standardized packaging of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and snus is required as of July 1, 2018. For smoked tobacco products, one of two text-only health warnings must occupy at least 30 percent of the front of the package. One of fourteen combined text and pictorial health warnings must occupy at least 40 percent of the back of the package. The warnings must be enclosed by a black border between 3mm and 4mm in width outside the area reserved for the warning. In addition, a quitline number must appear on both sides of the package outside the area reserved for the warning. For smokeless tobacco products, one text warning must occupy at least 30 percent of the most visible side of the package. 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 excise taxes in Norway 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 No
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 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) 35%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 30%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 40%
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 149.00 NOK
Total taxes 60%
In US dollars 15.38 USD
Total excise 40%

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: June 11, 2024