Smoking in Oman
In Oman, smoking is allowed but tobacco is subject to tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and may be sold through retail outlets, online platforms, and vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a trade license. However, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, the legal minimum age for purchase is 18 years, and there are no legal restrictions on smoking in public places. A ban on all forms of tobacco smoking is in place. Cigarettes in Oman are taxed at a total rate of 66%, with no specific excise component. Available data indicate that smoking continues to pose a significant public health burden in Oman. 421,000 individuals aged 15 years and older were reported to be current smokers in the country in 2024. This means that the current prevalence of adult tobacco smoking in the country in 2024 was 10.7%, with a notable gender disparity: 16.1% males and only 0.3% females were current smokers. This gender difference has been consistent over recent years. In terms of mortality, tobacco smoking accounted for 756 deaths in 2021 in Oman, representing 4.45% of all-cause mortality in the country. Smoking-related deaths among males was significantly higher, with 645 cases, compared to 111 deaths among females. The percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 5.53% for males and 2.08% for females in 2021. These statistics show the ongoing public health challenges faced by Oman in reducing tobacco smoking rate and its associated health impacts.
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January 18, 2024 by gulfbusiness.com
Illegal e-cigarette sales: Oman announces new fines
Selling electronic cigarettes, shisha or any associated accessories will incur fines of up to OMR2,000 ($5,208) in Oman, according to a new circular. The sale and marketing of e-cigarettes have been banned in Oman since 2015 by the country’s Consumer Protection Authority. However, the use and possession of e-cigarettes in Oman are legal, according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction.