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Venezuela

Tobacco Control Policies

Venezuela became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 25, 2006.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transportation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. In addition, all forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: One of 12 authorized rotating and combined text and image warnings must appear on each package of cigarettes. The combined text and image must occupy 100 percent of one principal display area, and the text alone must occupy 30 percent of the other principal display area of the package. Warnings must be shown on packaging of cigarettes only, not other tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “low”, “ultra-low”, “mild”, and “light”, 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 Venezuela 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? 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
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters) 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 12
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 65%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 30%
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 500000.00 VES
Total taxes 73%
In US dollars 2.07 USD
Total excise 67%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2021. Available at: www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/

Last updated: September 24, 2020