Brazil – the new anti-smoking law took effect

A new law took effect on 3 December in Brazil, prohibiting indoor smoking across the country. Before the federal law came into effect, eight states already had their own legislation. The law prohibits smoking of cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products in public or private places in common use, such as halls and corridors of residential buildings, restaurants and clubs – even if the environment is partially enclosed by a wall, partition, ceiling or awning.

Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat, noted that “the new law has transformed Brazil into the country with the largest population in the world protected by a comprehensive smoke-free law in full compliance with Article 8 of the treaty”.

The law also removes the possibility of commercial advertising of cigarettes, including at points of sale. In addition, it stipulates that health warnings on tobacco packaging will be increased: currently, 100% of the back of packaging is occupied by a health warning, including an image, and one side contains a written warning. From 2016, 30% of the front will also be covered with a warning.

More information is available from the National Committee for WHO FCTC Implementation (in Portuguese) at: http://www2.inca.gov.br/wps/wcm/connect/observatorio_controle_tabaco/site/home/.