Iraq to introduce strict smoking ban in public places and tighten tobacco advertising

Nov.06.2024
Iraq to introduce strict smoking ban in public places and tighten tobacco advertising
Iraq enacts comprehensive smoking ban, with strict controls on public smoking, tobacco advertising restrictions, fines for violations, an under-18 smoking ban, and plans to use taxes to fund quit-smoking programs.

According to AR.Vaping Post on November 5, Iraq’s Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee announced that it will soon pass a law aimed at protecting society from the harms of tobacco.

Key measures in the new law include:

 

  • Smoking ban in enclosed spaces: The new law will fully prohibit smoking, including hookah and e-cigarettes, in enclosed spaces such as government facilities, schools, universities, religious sites, and gas stations.

 

  • Fines for violations: Anyone caught smoking, using hookah, or vaping in these locations will be fined 50,000 Iraqi dinars.

 

  • Restrictions on tobacco advertising: The law will ban tobacco advertising, set a legal age of use, and prohibit smoking for those under 18.

 

  • Additional tax on tobacco products: An additional tax on tobacco products is proposed to fund health awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs, with tax stamps required on cigarette packs and hookahs.

 

Authorities acknowledge that enforcement of the law may face challenges. On one hand, many cafes and restaurants rely on hookah to attract customers and may resist the ban; on the other, fully implementing the law will test regulatory capabilities.

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia plans to implement a ban or restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping products as early as mid-2026 and no later than year-end. The head of Philip Morris Malaysia and Singapore said the government should look to Japan’s approach of regulating and taxing different tobacco and nicotine products differently, warning that an outright ban could push demand into illicit channels.
Feb.02
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
According to KT&G’s official website (Feb 5, 2026), KT&G released its 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year results. Driven by strong growth in its overseas cigarette business and a rebound in its real estate business, the company posted double-digit increases in both revenue and operating profit, reaching record-high performance.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
RJ Reynolds asks ITC to investigate alleged vape restriction violations by Heaven Gifts network
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to open a Section 337 investigation into Heaven Gifts International — the umbrella company behind Elf Bars and Geek Bars — its subsidiaries and nine U.S. distributors.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA announced it will convene a Feb. 10, 2026 roundtable with small tobacco product manufacturers to gather feedback on PMTA submissions for ENDS products. The discussion will be viewable online, and a public docket is open for comments through March 12, 2026.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) said it will halt local production of factory-made cigarettes and close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng by the end of 2026, shifting to an import-led supply model. The company said illicit cigarettes now account for about 75% of South Africa’s market, making local manufacturing “unsustainable” and putting around 230 jobs at risk.
Jan.16
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has announced that establishments selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products with medicinal or therapeutic claims must secure Licenses to Operate. Such products are also required to be registered as pharmaceutical products through the Center for Drug Regulation and Research. The FDA urged stakeholders to comply with the new requirements to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai