A new administrative penalty framework in the healthcare sector, effective May 15, introduces robust sanctions for violations in tobacco manufacturing and trading. These measures aim to enhance transparency regarding health risks and limit youth access to tobacco products.
Stringent control over packaging and labeling Authorities will impose fines ranging from 30 million to 40 million VND on manufacturers or importers failing to print health warnings on packaging for domestic consumption. Beyond financial penalties, violators face business suspension for 3 to 6 months and must recall or destroy non-compliant products. Other packaging-related infractions carry fines between 20 million and 30 million VND, including:
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Incorrect warning standards regarding color, position, or size.
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Failure to update health warnings every two years as required.
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Using misleading terminology that downplays the harmful effects of tobacco.
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Omitting quantitative information (number of cigarettes or weight) on the package.
Retail display restrictions To minimize visual triggers and curiosity, especially among children, the new regulations strictly limit how products are presented at points of sale:
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Quantity limits: Each tobacco brand is permitted to display a maximum of one pack, one carton, or one box. Exceeding this limit results in fines of 3 million to 5 million VND.
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Age warnings: Retailers failing to display signs prohibiting sales to persons under 18 will face fines between 1 million and 3 million VND.
Preventing access to minors Providing tobacco to minors or selling products without labels or health warnings at retail outlets is punishable by fines of 3 million to 5 million VND. Additional penalties include business suspension for 1 to 3 months.
Health experts emphasize that tightening display rules is crucial to eliminate “hidden advertising,” which remains prevalent near schools and within children’s sight, undermining tobacco cessation efforts and harm prevention.