Turkey’s Ministry of Health has drafted legislation to tighten restrictions on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Expected to reach the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in November following presidential review, the bill introduces retail controls and targets a complete phaseout of tobacco sales by 2040.
Hidden Retail Displays and Digital Age Checks
The proposed measures change how tobacco and vapor products are marketed and sold in retail outlets:
- Concealed Storage: Retailers can no longer display tobacco products openly; all stock must be stored in closed, non-visible cabinets.
- Digital Age Verification: Transactions must be processed through automated systems that verify customer ID and age.
- Logo-Free Plain Packaging: Package sizes and shapes will be standardized, with all brand logos and promotional symbols banned.
Expanded Public and Hospitality Smoking Bans
The draft law widens smoke-free zones across both public areas and commercial businesses. Smoking will be prohibited in children’s playgrounds, public beaches, and open-air sports complexes. Smoke-free perimeters around schools, hospitals, public buildings, and places of worship will also be expanded.
For restaurants and cafes, smoking sections must be isolated from service areas, occupying no more than 10% of the total venue area up to a maximum of 20 square meters. Hotels will only be permitted to allow smoking inside specifically designated guest rooms.
The 2040 Ban on Tobacco Sales
The central provision of the action plan is a long-term ban on commercial tobacco access. Under the draft timeline, the retail sale and public distribution of all tobacco and nicotine products will be prohibited across Turkey beginning January 1, 2040.
