Turkey

Tobacco Control Policies

Turkey became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on March 31, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in most indoor workplaces and public places. There are a few exceptions where ventilated designated smoking areas are allowed, including care facilities for the elderly, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, and hotel rooms. Smoking is also restricted in certain outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports, or entertainment activities are held.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a near comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. A few aspects of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are heavily regulated, but not completely banned. For example, point-of-sale product display is allowed, but it may not be seen from the outside or accessed by minors. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Cigarette unit packaging must display rotating combined health warnings, which includes a full-color picture, text, and quitline information, occupying no less than 85 percent of the front and 100 percent of the back surface areas. Rotating combined warnings on the packaging of other smoked tobacco products are required to cover 85 percent of the front and back surface areas. There are no smokeless products currently licensed for sale in Turkey. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” is prohibited. Plain packaging is required at the manufacturer level as of December 5, 2019 and at the retailer level as of January 5, 2020.

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 Turkey 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? Uncertain
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 Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 92.5%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 85%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 100%
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 31.50 TRY
Total taxes 81%
In US dollars 1.76 USD
Total excise 66%

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 25, 2022