Syria

The law prohibits the partial sale of contents of tobacco product packages (loose sale). This is interpreted to prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

The law does not prohibit the sale of tobacco products via vending machines. Instead, the law requires the Minister of Local Government and Minister of Economy and Commerce to issue, in coordination with the Minister of Health and Minister of Finance, the appropriate decisions organizing importation and exportation of tobacco vending machines, suggesting that vending machine sales are allowed. It is unclear whether these decisions have been issued.

To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

The law does not address tobacco product sales via the internet. Therefore, the law is interpreted as allowing internet tobacco product sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all sporting clubs and indoor halls, sports practicing and training settings and their adjuncts. This is interpreted to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities including cultural centers, cinemas, theatres, public libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in forests, protectorates, woods, and grain fields during harvest seasons.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in places of worship and their adjuncts.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public transport over land, sea, and air.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in petrol and gas storage, sales, transport, and distribution places.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in elevators (lifts).

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in enclosed public stores, which are defined as places designated for the service and consumption of food and drinks.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in any other places determined by the Prime Minister.

The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.