Poland

Tobacco Control Policies

Poland became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 14, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places and indoor workplaces, including, primary and secondary educational facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, sports facilities, and many healthcare facilities. Designated smoking rooms are permitted in other indoor public places and indoor workplaces, including dining and entertainment establishments, hotels, facilities serving travelers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and higher education institutions. Smoking is prohibited on all forms of public transport. Sub-national jurisdictions may adopt legislation prohibiting smoking in places not addressed in the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law provides a nearly comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. At point of sale, products may be displayed but not within reach of the consumer. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship; however, any publicity of sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Warning labels on smoked tobacco products are text-only and cover 30 percent of the front and 40 percent of the back of the package. The front and back warnings must be rotated to ensure “alternating and regular appearance” of each. The law does not specify how frequently the warnings are to be updated. The current warnings have not been updated since 2004. For smokeless tobacco products, one text-only warning must occupy 30 percent of the largest, most visible surface of the unit packaging. 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 Poland are below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices No
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport Yes
Universities No
Restaurants No
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs No
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 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 No
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 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 16.50 PLN
Total taxes 78%
In US dollars 3.56 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: September 17, 2019