Turkmenistan

Tobacco Control Policies

Turkmenistan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on August 11, 2011. 

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in certain outdoor areas, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, beaches, as well as cultural, educational, medical, and sports facilities. Smoking is also prohibited within 15 meters of the entrance of public transportation facilities.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. It is uncertain whether some forms, such as reverse brand stretching, may be permitted because the law does not use the definition of “tobacco advertising and promotion” from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are prohibited. 

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The law requires text warnings on 30 percent of the front and 50 percent of the back of all cigarette packages. Smokeless tobacco products must have a text warning that is no less than 30 percent of the front side of the pack. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “mild” and other signs, is prohibited. 

An amendment to the law will require, once in effect, graphic health warnings on no less than 65 percent of the front and back of all smoked tobacco product packaging. Smoked tobacco products with non-traditional packs must have the graphic warnings printed on an insert. Smoked tobacco packages must carry the updated graphic and textual warnings twelve months after they are published.

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 Turkmenistan 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 Yes
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 1 (front), 12 (back)
Warnings include a picture or graphic No
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 40%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) No
Front 30%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling No
Back 50%
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 55.00 TMT
Total taxes 31%
In US dollars 15.71 USD
Total excise 18%

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 30, 2023