Information about Smoking Age

The minimum age to purchase tobacco products varies from country to country. The age requirement is usually about 18 but can be as low as 9 or as high as 21.

Legal Smoking For countries around the world

Africa

Country / Region	De jure		Notes
	Smoking Age	Purchase Age
Cape Verde	16
Kenya	21
Mauritius	18
South Africa	16

Asia

Country / Region	De jure		Notes
	Smoking Age	Purchase Age
Bangladesh	15
Hong Kong	18
Japan	20
Jordan	18
Kuwait	21
Macau	18
Malaysia	18
Mongolia	16
Singapore	18
Taiwan	18

Europe

Country / Region	De jure		Notes
	Smoking Age	Purchase Age
Belarus	18
Bulgaria	18
Cyprus	18
Germany	18 [1]		(16 prior to 1 September 2007)
Republic of Ireland	18
Great Britain	none	18	Purchase age was 16 prior to 1 October 2007. Not illegal for anyone under 18 to buy, just retailer breaking the law.
Northern Ireland	none	16

Argentina

The minimum age to purchase tobacco is regulated by law and is currently 16; the Province of Buenos Aires became the first to pass legislation forbidding the sale of cigarettes to those under the age of 18 (April 1997). Advertising directed to young people is prohibited. Low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes may not be represented as beneficial to health. Advertising can not be associated with physical activity or sports, but this does not include the sponsorship of sports events. per Law No. 23.344 of 31 July 1986 on restrictions on the advertising of tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and other products intended for smoking and their packaging.

Australia

It is illegal to sell tobacco to children under the age of 18 or to purchase cigarettes on behalf of someone under the age of 18. However the legal smoking age is 16.

Brazil

Ban on the sale of tobacco to minors under 18 years; restrictions on distribution of free samples per Order No. 731 of 31 May 1990

Canada

The federal Tobacco Sales to Young Persons Act (TSYPA), which came into force February 8, 1994, prohibits the sale of tobacco products in Canada to persons under the age of 18. The federal legislation is meant to reinforce, but not limit or restrict, provincial sales-to-minors legislation regarding tobacco products. Indeed, certain provinces, namely Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and British Columbia, have increased the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products to 19.

Chile

Prohibition of tobacco advertising in publications designated for minors under 18 years. It is prohibited to offer, distribute, or give free of charge tobacco products to children under 16 years of age (in public places).[Ley 19419 (Fecha de Publicacion 09.10.1995, Fecha de Promulgacion 22.09.1995) Ministerio de Salud] #2 nope

Colombia

Mandate that cigarettes or tobacco may be dispensed only to persons aged 15 and older. (Ley 30 January 1986,"The National Intoxication Statute") Advertising allowed on television between 2300 and 0600 and is limited to 30 seconds for each brand; commercial advertising must devote 20% of transmission time to the warning "tobacco is harmful to health" per Resolution No. 4063 of 1982 regulating Decree No. 3430 of 26 November concerning restrictions on advertising.

Cook Islands

Legal smoking age is 15. Signature is required per Tobacco Products Control Act(No.3)1987 Sec.6.

Costa Rica

Sale of cigarettes to minors (younger than age 18 years) is prohibited per Decree No.17967-S of 4 February 1988. Packs of cigarettes manufactured in Costa Rica must bear one of the following warnings:"Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus and may provoke premature birth" or "Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema" per Decree 18,780-S,1989.

Croatia

The legal smoking age is 18. Signage is required per The Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 7. Vending machines selling tobacco are prohibited per The Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 8.

Cuba

Ministry of Commerce Resolution bans the sale of cigarettes to persons under the age of 16.

Czech Republic

The legal smoking age is 16 per Law 37/1989 of the Czech National Council of March 28, 1989 on the Protection Against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, Sec.4(1)(e). Health warnings must occupy 10% of the advertising space and 4% of pack surface areas. Such requirements were introduced in April 1998.

Denmark

Smoking is banned in all Ministry of Health workplaces and in meetings of public councils, boards, and commissions unless all participants agree to permit smoking per Circular of 23 March 1988 of the Ministry of Health on the provision of nonsmoking environments on public premises, means of transport, etc. The agreement applies to all tobacco products, including cigarette paper and tubes;Bans the use of models, actresses or actors appearing to be under 30 years, celebrities, health personnel, and sports personalities in ads; press advertising is restricted to a single page not exceeding (Code of practice between the tobacco industry and the government (latest update in 1992)).

Dominican Republic

The sale and supply of alcoholic drinks and tobacco products to minors under age 16 is prohibited per Law Number 272.

Ecuador

The consumption of cigarettes and alcohol inside and around all schools (at all educational levels) by staff and students is prohibited per Law No. 2369 of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

El Salvador

Cigarette sales to minors are banned per Decree No. 955 of 11 May 1988 promulgating the Health Code (Division 41-(Secs.196-190)).

Estonia

The legal smoking age is 18 per Tobacco Act,Chapter 2,Sec.17(1)(1). Sale of tobacco is prohibited in health care institutions, education institutions, and sports establishments per Tobacco Act, Chapter 2,Sec.17(1)(5).The minimum age to purchase tobacco is set at 16 per Decree on the Measure to Reduce Tobacco Smoking, Sec.12; Act on the Measures to Reduce Tobacco Smoking,Sec.11.

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Over 16 only. [Law on Protection Against Smoking (Tobacco Law), Article 5]

France

Children under 16 can not smoke in schools per The Evin Law (passed in November 1992, effective 1 January 1993). Smoking is prohibited in schools receiving children under 16 per Law No. 76-616 of 9 July 1976 concerning measures to combat smoking. Vending machines outside tobacco shops are forbidden per Directive 2 K-1-89 of 19 December 1988. The directive was approved 19 December 1988 and effective 21 November 1989. You may buy cigarettes at the age of 16 and up.

Georgia

The sale of tobacco to teenagers is restricted per the Law of Georgia on Health Care: Chapter XIII: Protection of Populationfs Health from Harmful Influence of Excessive Consumption of Tobacco, Alcohol, Incorrect Use of Permitted Medicines and Use of Prohibited Medicines (dated 10 December 1997).

Germany

The Protection of Young Persons in Public Act states that children and young people under 18 years of age shall not be permitted to smoke in public per the law on the protection of juveniles in public (as of 1 September 2007, previous age limit was 16). Television and radio advertising is banned. Advertisements which create the impression that the consumption or the proper use of tobacco products is harmless to health, likely to have a favorable effect on the functioning of the body and physical performance, likely to induce juveniles or adolescents to smoke, make it appear that inhaling of tobacco smoke is something to be imitated, or suggest that tobacco products are natural or pure are banned per Law of 15 August 1974 for the overall reform of foodstuffs law. No advertising elements typical to the environment of young people, media stars, sports personalities, or models under 30 years. The use of the terms "mild" and "light" are limited per Voluntary Restrictions on Advertising.

Honduras

The sale of cigarettes or tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age is prohibited.

Hungary

The legal smoking age is 18 per The Law on the Protection of the Rights of Non-Smokers and on the Prevention of Health Damage Related to Smoking, Sec. 2, version b. The sale of tobacco is prohibited within 200 meters of schools and health care units per The Law on the Protection of the Rights of Non-Smokers and on the Prevention of Health Damage Related to Smoking, Sec. 2. Vending machines selling tobacco are restricted. Children under 18 cannot smoke anywhere even in the places where smoking is allowed. Tobacco cannot be sold to minors under 18 years or distributed as free samples per The New Tobacco Act (submitted to Parliament in 1996, passed in April 1999, effective November 1999).

Iceland

Sales to minors under 16 are prohibited. Vending machines selling tobacco are banned. No tobacco may be sold in schools or institutions for minors. Smoking in schools, day nurseries, in buildings intended for social and leisure activities of children under 16, and health centers is prohibited per Law No.74 of 28 May 1984 on the prevention of the use of tobacco.

India

It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 in India.

Ireland

The sale of tobacco to children under 18 is illegal. However the smoking age is 16.

Israel

Printed advertisements are prohibited from including names, appellations or photos of celebrities, persons under 40 years, persons in uniform and persons in sport dress or bathing suits per Tobacco Products for Smoking (Restriction on Advertising) Law, 5743-1983.

Italy

The legal smoking age in Italy is 14 but buyers must be 16 or over to purchase.

Japan

The legal age to smoke in Japan is 20, however, many people under the age of 20 continue to do so, and there are ways to go around it. Japan sells cigarettes (and alcohol) along with many other items in public vending machines without the need of I.D, so it is fairly easy for those underage to purchase cigarettes.

Latvia

The sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited per On Tobacco Products Manufacture, Sales, Advertising And Smoking Restrictions (approval date 18 December 1996, effective date 1 January 1997). Cigarette vending machines are also prohibited.

Lithuania

The legal smoking age is 18 per Low on Tobacco Control, Article 10 (8). The sale of tobacco is prohibited in pharmacies, health care institutions, educational institutions, and retail enterprises where 50% or more of the goods available are intended for children[Law on Tobacco Control, Article 10. Tobacco vending machines are restricted per Law on Tobacco Control, Article 10.

Luxembourg

The tobacco industry is prohibited from sponsoring events for children. Smoking is prohibited in hospitals, waiting rooms of physicians and dentists, pharmacies, educational establishments, places that receive or house persons under 16 years of age per Law of 24 March 1989 restricting the advertising of tobacco and tobacco products and prohibiting smoking in certain places.

Maldives

The legal smoking age is 16 per Measures Taken to Reduce the Use of Tobacco,Sec.5.

Malta

The legal smoking age is 16 per Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act 1986,Sec.14(1), although the purchase age is 18.

Mauritius

Prohibited but age is not indicated in Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 1999, Sec. 2(e)(i). A person must be 18 years old to purchase cigarettes.

Nauru

Not for sale for children under 16 [Prohibition of the Possession of Tobacco by Children Ordinance 1924, No.7/1924, Sec.2] #1

Netherlands

Not for sale for children under 16 Prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 16 years of age.

New Zealand

No sale for children under the age of 18 years [Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 Act, Vending Machines:Restricted to places where access to minors is lawfully prohibited.

Norway

No sale of under 18's [Act Relating to the Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco, Act No.14, Sec.5]Vending Machines:Ban[Act Relating to the Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco, Act No.14,Sec.5]Sale of imitation tobacco products is prohibited.

Pakistan

Minimum age to purchase tobacco self-imposed by distributors and retailers (18 years).

Palau

Over the age of 9 for sale. [RPPL 4-25 Sec.4(1)]

• Vending Machines:Banned[RPPL 4-25 Sec.4(3);Regulations Governing Sale of Tobacco Products Sec.4

Papaua New Guinea

No sale to anyone under the age of 18 A person shall not sell or hand over tobacco products to a person who is or apparently is under the age of 18 years, including imitations of tobacco products. [The Tobacco Products (Health Control) Act 1987] #2

Philippines

Over 18's only Prohibition of cigarette and tobacco sales to persons under 18 years of age.["STOP for Health Act"(Stop Tobacco and Other Products for Health)] #2

Poland

Over 18 only. Minors under 18 can not buy tobacco products. [Law of 9 November 1995 on the protection of health against the effects of the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products] #2 Portugal 18 18 Minimum age for purchase and consumption of tobacco is 18. Ban on vending machine distribution.

Republic of Korea

Over the age of 19 only. [Law No.4914 Sec.9] Vending Machines:Restricted[Law No.4914 Sec.9] #1

Romania

Over 18 only. Ban on sale of tobacco to minors(less than 18 years of age), 1999. #2

Slovakia

Over 18 only. [Law on Protection of Non-Smokers, Sec.6(3)]

• Vending Machines:Ban[Law on Protection of Non-Smokers, Sec. 6(2)(c)]

Slovenia

Children aged 15 and over only [Restriction on the Use of Tobacco Products Act, Sec.14]

• Vending Machines:Ban[Restriction on the Use of Tobacco Products Act, Sec.14]

Solomon Islands

Over 18 only. [Solomon Islands Tobacco Products Control Act, Sec.12(1)] Vending Machines:Ban[Solomon Islands Tobacco Products Control Act,Sec.13]

Spain

You must be over 18 to purchase and smoke tobacco. [Royal Decree 192/1988 of March 4 Regarding Limitations in the Sale and Use of Tobacco to Protect the Health of the Population, Article 5, Sec.1]

• Place of Sale:banned in places where smoking is prohibited; banned in public schools; banned in health establishments[Royal Decree 1199/1999 of Implementing Law 13/1998, Article 32, Sec. 1 and Law 13/1998 of May 4 on Tobacco Trade and Tax Legislation, Article 4, Sec. 9; Order of November 7, 1989, Ministry of Education and Science, Article 1; Royal Decree 192/1988 of March

Sri Lanka

Over the age of 16 only. Selling cigarettes to minors under 16 is prohibited. [Children and Young Persons Ordinance, Section 76]

• Ban on smoking by teachers in schools and sending children to purchase tobacco products. [Circular sent by the Director General of Health Services (no : E.C.F/3/92) on 17 May 1993]

Sweden

Over the age of 18 only [The Swedish Tobacco Act, Sec.12]

Syria

Age 18 is the Minimum age for purchasing tobacco is 18. [Presidential Decree No.13 of September 1996]

Thailand

Over 18 only [Tobacco Products Control Act, BE 2535, Sec.4] Vending Machines:Ban[Tobacco Products Control Act, BE 2535, Sec.5] #1

Tonga

Over 18 [Tobacco Control Act 2000, Sec.9(1)]

• Vending Machines:restricted to places where persons under 18 years of age are prohibited[Tobacco Control Act 2000, Sec.10(1)] #1

Trinidad and Tobago

Over 16. Prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors under 16. [An Act relating to the protection of children and young persons, industrial schools, and orphanages, and juvenile offenders (the Children Act), Chap. 46:01, Laws of Trinidad and Tobago, 17 March 1925] #2

Tunisia

Bans vending machines. [Law No. 98-17 of 23 February 1998 on the prevention of the damage caused by tobacco consumption]

Turkey

Over 18 [The Law on the Prevention of Harm Induced by Tobacco Products, Law No. 4207, Article 3]

Ukraine

Minimum age to purchase cigars and other related tobacco is 12 years. [Legislation for a minimum age to purchase tobacco products] #2

United Arab Emirates

Ban on cigarette sales to individuals under 18 years of age. [Amendment to the article related to tobacco taxation in the Federal law.

United Kingdom

It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 in England and Wales^[1] or in Scotland^[2], since 1st October 2007. Contrary to popular belief among teenagers, those who were able to buy cigarettes before the 1st of October and are not yet 18 can not purchase tobacco products. It is not illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or attempt to buy or indeed smoke tobacco.

The minimum age remains 16 in Northern Ireland^[3].

United States of America

Age 18 for states to be eligible for federal grants. No retailer may sell cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to any person younger than 18 years of age; for individuals under 27 years of age, retailers shall verify age by means of photographic identification. In addition, the tobacco purchase age has been raised to 19 in Alabama, Alaska, New Jersey, Utah, and Nassau, Suffolk, and Onondaga counties in New York.

Uruguay

Prohibits sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age. [Law No. 15.361 of 24 December 1982 adopting provisions on the advertising and marketing of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products]

Vietnam

Businesses will not be permitted to operate cigarette vending machines, or sell tobacco to children under 16. [Government Circular(Ministry of Trade) dated 9 September 1999 (taking effect 90 days later)]

References