Kuwait tightens tobacco and nicotine rules, sales to under-21s banned from 2027
New Health Ministry rules target youth access, online sales and nicotine advertising
Kuwait is introducing strict new controls on tobacco, nicotine products and nicotine delivery systems, with the aim of protecting public health and making these products harder to access, particularly for children and young people.
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi issued Ministerial Resolution No. 237 of 2026, which bans the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21 and prohibits their sale or display in 10 locations and types of outlets. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Products must be approved and properly labelled
The resolution prohibits the import, manufacture, packaging, distribution, storage, sale or advertising of tobacco and nicotine products that are of unknown origin, do not meet approved specifications or requirements, or have not been licensed by the Ministry of Health.
Products that exceed the maximum permitted levels of nicotine, ingredients or emissions set by the competent authorities are also prohibited. All products must be registered and approved by the Ministry of Health before they can be imported, traded or sold.
Manufacturers and suppliers must clearly disclose key information, including ingredients, nicotine concentration, additives, country of origin, batch number, production date and expiry date.
Child-friendly packaging and marketing banned
The resolution specifically targets products designed or marketed in ways that could attract children and young people. This includes products using cartoon characters, toy images, or packaging that resembles sweets, soft drinks or other products intended for children. The rules are intended to prevent nicotine products from being presented in a way that could make them appealing to minors.
Tobacco and nicotine products must carry text and pictorial health warnings covering at least 50 percent of the main display area of the package.
Companies are also prohibited from making health or therapeutic claims about their products. They cannot claim that a product is safe or that it helps people quit smoking unless they have received explicit approval from the Ministry of Health.
No tobacco or nicotine sales to anyone under 21
One of the most significant measures is the complete ban on selling, delivering or otherwise enabling anyone under 21 to obtain tobacco or nicotine products or nicotine delivery systems.
Sellers must verify the buyer’s age using the Civil ID card or another approved method. Every sales outlet must also display a clear notice in Arabic and English stating that the sale of these products to people under 21 is prohibited.
Advertising and influencer promotion banned
The resolution prohibits the advertising, promotion and direct or indirect marketing of tobacco and nicotine products. The ban covers traditional and digital channels, including newspapers and other media, websites, social media platforms, influencers and content creators, billboards, exhibitions and events.
Companies are also prohibited from distributing free samples or gifts, offering discounts or promotional deals, or sponsoring sports, cultural, social or educational activities to promote these products.
E-cigarettes treated as smoking
The new rules also cover electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and devices or products that produce smoke, vapour, spray or similar emissions when used.
These products will be treated as smoking in all public and enclosed locations where smoking is already prohibited under Kuwait’s laws and regulations.
Where tobacco and nicotine products cannot be sold
The resolution prohibits the sale or display of these products in 10 categories of locations and outlets:
- Educational institutions: Schools, institutes, universities, colleges and all government and private educational institutions.
- Health facilities: Public and private hospitals, clinics and other health and medical facilities.
- Government facilities: Government ministries, agencies, bodies and institutions.
- Sports and youth facilities: Sports clubs, health institutes, youth centres, theatres, cinemas and facilities designated for children and young people.
- Grocery stores and temporary outlets: Grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, exhibitions and entertainment events.
- Self-service machines: All vending or self-service machines.
- Online platforms: Websites, electronic applications and social media platforms.
- Delivery services: Sales and delivery through delivery services.
- Outlets near schools: Any retail outlet located within 200 metres of the walls of an educational institution.
- Cooperative societies and supermarkets: Except at specifically designated locations and under strict supervision.
Ministry to monitor and remove violations
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with other relevant authorities, will oversee inspections, monitor compliance and take action against violations.
Authorities will also work to prevent the entry and circulation of non-compliant products, withdraw and remove prohibited products, and take steps to block or remove non-compliant electronic content and advertisements when necessary. Violators will face the penalties and measures prescribed under Kuwait’s relevant laws, regulations and ministerial decisions.
New rules take effect January 1, 2027
The new resolution represents a major tightening of Kuwait’s controls on tobacco, nicotine products and nicotine delivery systems, with particular emphasis on preventing youth access, restricting sales locations, controlling online promotion and ensuring products meet health and safety requirements.
The measures will officially come into force on January 1, 2027.
