Smoking in Iceland
In Iceland, cigarettes are legal with some regulations and are regulated as tobacco products under national legislation. They may be sold through retail outlets and purchased online, while sales through vending machines are prohibited. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. Additionally, health warnings on packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are no legal restrictions on smoking in public places. In addition, a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising is in force. Cigarettes are taxed at a total rate of 63.59%, including an excise component of 44.24%. Smoking prevalence in Iceland is relatively low but still contributes to a measurable health burden. In 2024, there were around 29,000 current smokers, corresponding to an adult smoking prevalence of 9%. In the same year, the prevalence was 9.2% among males and 8.8% among females. In comparison, this was 9.4% in 2022. In 2021, smoking led to 258 deaths in the country, comprising 150 male deaths and 108 female deaths. This shows that, tobacco smoking accounted for 11.28% of all deaths in the country in 2021, including 13.45% of male deaths and 9.22% of female deaths.
Read articles from Iceland
July 15, 2025 by westernstandard.news
Iceland gov’t faces backlash over plan to tighten nicotine pouch access
Iceland's government is facing backlash over a proposed bill that would tighten all tobacco and nicotine regulations under one law. The draft, released in June, aims to ban flavored nicotine pouches, require plain packaging, prohibit online sales, and impose heavy fines on retailers who violate age verification rules. Manufacturers would also need new permits to sell their products. Public response has been mostly negative—by the July 3 deadline, 190 formal submissions were received, with many accusing the health ministry of overreaching.
May 04, 2018 by icelandreview.com
Vaping Linked to Decrease in Cigarette Smoking
A new study from Iceland’s Directorate of Health shows that smoking in Iceland is on the decline, with evidence that the use of e-cigarettes may be contributing to a decrease in the consumption of traditional cigarettes, RÚV reports. Although these are viewed as positive trends, some in the medical community fear that parliament’s proposal for new restrictions on e-cigarettes could negatively impact the trend away from traditional tobacco use.