Last updated: June 27, 2023

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

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.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

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

Playgrounds

Uncertain
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in all sporting clubs and indoor halls, sports practicing and training settings and their adjuncts. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered these types of sports facilities, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.

Stadiums/arenas

Banned
Analysis

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.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

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

Cultural facilities

Banned
Analysis

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

Forests, protectorates, woods and grain fields during harvest seasons

Banned
Analysis

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

Places of worship and their adjuncts

Not Applicable
Analysis

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

Public transport over land, sea, and air

Banned
Analysis

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

Petrol and gas storage, sales, transport, and distribution places

Banned
Analysis

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

Elevators (lifts)

Banned
Analysis

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

Enclosed public stores

Banned
Analysis

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.

Any other places determined by the Prime Minister

Banned
Analysis

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

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

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.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

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

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

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.