Kuwait has tightened its rules around tobacco sales. In fact, it has also set the minimum purchase age at 21 years under the newly updated rules regarding tobacco. Here’s a look at what these sweeping new rules are that affect both tobacco and nicotine products.
New Rules For Tobacco Sale & Distribution In Kuwait
As revealed by Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al Awadhi in a ministerial resolution No. 237 of 2026, a wide regulatory framework has been issued. Yes, it covers the import, packaging, distribution, manufacturing, display, sale, promotion, advertising, and use of tobacco and nicotine products. According to the new rules that govern tobacco and nicotine products, there will also be a ban on online sales and deliveries. Moreover, the minimum age for purchase has been set at 21 years.
These Come Into Effect On January 1st, 2027
As per the news that was published by Al Anbaa newspaper, these regulations will take effect on January 1st, 2027. They cover conventional tobacco products along with electric cigarettes. In fact, it also extends to nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine-delivery systems. It also includes future technologies that might enter the market after these rules come into force. It should be noted that these measures are a part of the authorities’ effort to strengthen public health protection.
Under the new set of sweeping rules, tobacco, nicotine, and nicotine delivery products cannot be sold, provided or delivered to anyone who is under the age of 21 years. Retailers will have to verify the customer’s age using their civil ID, or they can also do so using any other approved method before they complete the sale or delivery. Not only this, but licensed sale outlets will also have to display a clear notice in both Arabic and English regarding this minimum age for the sale or supply of such products.
A Look At These Rules
In fact, there is also going to be a ban on selling, displaying, or distributing regulated products through websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, and delivery services. These rules will also prohibit sales through self-service machines. In some locations where sales are permitted, such products will not be displayed in such a way that customers can access them directly without supervision.
Additionally, the regulations also ban the sale, display, and distribution of tobacco, nicotine and nicotine delivery products in a wide range of areas, including nurseries, schools, kindergartens, institutes, colleges, universities, and other public & private educational institutions. Moreover, it also extends to public & private healthcare, medical facilities, government agencies & institutions, health institutes, sports, clubs, theatres, youth centres, cinemas, and other facilities, which serve children and young people.
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More About The Rules
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that this ban also includes exceeding the permitted limit for nicotine Ingredients or emissions. As revealed by the Gulf News, these rules have been designed in such a way that they do not just apply to products that are already in the market, but also to emerging technologies. So, any new product which contains tobacco or nicotine will fall under these rules. Moreover, businesses will also no longer be permitted to make health or therapeutic claims about tobacco or nicotine products without their being an explicit approval from the Ministry of Health.
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FAQs
What is the new minimum age set for the sale of tobacco & nicotine products?
Kuwait has set the minimum age at 21 years for sale of tobacco and nicotine products.
When do the new rules governing tobacco and nicotine products come into effect?
The new rules governing these products come into effect on January 1st, 2027.
