Last updated: January 30, 2023

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products from open consumer packages. This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes.

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

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through the internet.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of any sucking or chewing tobacco. However, other types of smokeless tobacco are permitted.

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

Playgrounds

Uncertain
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in sports facilities. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered sports facilities, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.

Mobile or temporary distribution mechanisms

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through a mobile distribution network (with cars, trailers, trucks and other), peddling, or from any makeshift stalls and counters (on streets, roads, in courtyards, or indoors).

Small retail trade networks

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products from “small retail trade networks,” unless a town does not have shops and pavilions. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

Public transport facilities (except duty-free areas)

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in railway stations, bus stations, airports, and sea and river ports (except for duty-free shops within these premises).

Premises designed to provide hotel services, temporary housing, or domestic services

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in premises designed to provide hotel services, temporary housing, or domestic services.

Specialty shops and children’s and sporting goods’ departments

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in specialty shops and children’s and sporting goods’ departments in general shopping centers.

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 prohibits the sale of any sucking or chewing tobacco. However, other types of smokeless tobacco are permitted. The law does not specify a minimum weight requirement for other types of smokeless tobacco products.

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.