The ministerial resolution issued by Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi and published in Al-Anbaa prohibits the import manufacture distribution sale display and storage of unregistered tobacco and nicotine products including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices. It specifically bars nicotine pouches and oral or mucosal nicotine items that have not been registered as medicines with the ministry along with any products of unknown origin or those failing to meet approved technical specifications. Products that could appeal to children through cartoon characters toy-like images or sweet-flavored packaging fall under the same prohibition according to the resolution.
Online sales and distribution through websites mobile applications social media platforms or delivery services are fully banned under the new rules the health ministry resolution stated. All forms of advertising and marketing are outlawed including those involving influencers sponsorships or any digital or traditional media channels. The distribution of free samples gifts discounts or promotional offers is similarly prohibited as the document makes clear.
Sales to individuals under 21 years of age are not permitted and vendors must conduct age verification using official identification before completing transactions the resolution specified. A wide range of locations including schools universities health facilities government agencies sports clubs youth centers theaters and cinemas are now off-limits for such sales. Grocery stores mobile carts kiosks exhibitions self-service outlets and any venues serving children or young people face the same restrictions according to the ministerial text.
All tobacco and nicotine products require prior registration and approval from the Ministry of Health for any manufacture import distribution or sale with comprehensive details on ingredients nicotine concentrations additives country of origin batch numbers and expiry dates demanded as part of the process. No health claims or terms implying reduced harm can be used without explicit ministry approval the resolution added. Electronic cigarettes and similar devices are to be treated equivalently to traditional smoking in public places where existing bans apply.
The resolution aligns with Kuwait’s obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which the country has followed for years in its national legislation. Tobacco Atlas data places adult smoking prevalence in Kuwait at 10.80 percent with the assessment indicating that 15.15 percent of all deaths in the country are attributable to tobacco use. Kuwait ranks among the first countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve the highest level of monitoring for tobacco use through surveys the global health body has noted.
Enforcement of the new measures will involve coordination among the Ministry of Health the Environment Public Authority and customs authorities with violations subject to penalties outlined in existing Kuwaiti laws. This resolution repeals any conflicting earlier provisions and builds upon a March 2026 decision by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that had already barred online tobacco sales through delivery platforms and digital channels. The health ministry has required that notices about these rules be displayed prominently in Arabic and English at all relevant points of sale.
