Uruguay

Tobacco Control Policies

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

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, enclosed workplaces, and public transportation. In addition, smoking is prohibited within the outdoor premises of health and educational institutions.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Plain packaging is required for all cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco products available for retail sale as of December 21, 2019. One of four authorized pictures and accompanying text warnings must be displayed on 80 percent of the two principal display areas of each tobacco product package. Warnings must be distributed evenly across each brand and new warnings are to be issued every 12 months. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited. Further, each tobacco brand may only possess a single form of presentation.

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 Uruguay 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? 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 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 4
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 80%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 80%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 80%
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 190.00 UYU
Total taxes 66%
In US dollars 4.64 USD
Total excise 47%

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: March 4, 2020