Kuwait tightens tobacco and nicotine rules, prohibits sales to under-21s
- New regulations bans sales near schools, hospitals, public facilities, online purchases and advertising, with rules taking effect January 1, 2027
Kuwait is introducing sweeping new regulations on the sale and circulation of tobacco and nicotine products, with the Ministry of Health moving to strengthen public health protections and reduce the health, economic and social harms associated with their use.
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi issued Ministerial Resolution No. 237 of 2026 covering tobacco and nicotine products and nicotine delivery systems.
The regulations apply to a wide range of products, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, nicotine liquids and cartridges, nicotine pouches, oral and smokeless tobacco, as well as newly introduced products.
Sales banned near schools, hospitals and public facilities
The decision prohibits the sale, display or trading of these products in nurseries, kindergartens, schools, institutes, universities, colleges and other government and private educational institutions.
The ban also covers public and private health and medical facilities, government agencies and institutions, sports clubs, health institutes, youth centres, theatres, cinemas and facilities designated for children and young people.
Sales will also be prohibited at grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, exhibitions and entertainment events, as well as through self-service vending machines. Products covered by the regulations cannot be sold through websites, electronic applications, social media platforms or delivery services.
The regulations also prohibit sales from outlets located within 200 metres of the walls of educational institutions.
Strict controls in cooperative societies
In cooperative societies and parallel markets, tobacco and nicotine products may only be displayed in specifically designated areas and under strict supervision. They cannot be placed where members of the public can directly access them without supervision.
The regulations prohibit the import, manufacture, distribution, sale or storage of products of unknown origin or those that fail to meet approved specifications.
Products whose design, packaging or marketing targets children or young people are also prohibited, along with products that exceed approved limits for nicotine, ingredients or emissions. All covered products must be registered and approved by the Ministry of Health.
Manufacturers and suppliers must disclose information including the product’s components, nicotine concentration, country of origin and batch details. Packages must also carry written and pictorial health warnings covering at least 50 percent of the main display area.
No sales to anyone under 21
The new rules prohibit the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under 21 years of age. They also prohibit advertising, promotion and sponsorship of these products, as well as the distribution of samples, gifts and discounts.
Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be treated in the same way as smoking in public and enclosed areas where smoking is already prohibited.
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the relevant authorities, will be responsible for monitoring, inspecting and enforcing the new regulations. The decision will take effect on January 1, 2027.
