A New Era Begins for the Sale of Pre-Filled Cigarettes! Following the introduction of prison sentences for those who sell pre-filled cigarette tubes or rolling papers commercially — filled with finely cut tobacco, shredded tobacco, or any substance other than tobacco — attention has turned to the enforcement of these decisions. The regulation aims to prevent an estimated tax loss of approximately 9.5 billion TRY.
Under the Anti-Smuggling Law, the regulation banning the commercial sale of pre-filled cigarette tubes or rolling papers has come into effect. According to the law, from July 1, 2020, those who, for commercial purposes, sell, offer for sale, possess, or transport cigarette tubes or rolling papers filled with any substance other than finely cut tobacco will face imprisonment from 3 to 6 years. Sanctions for conducting tobacco trade without an authorization certificate or without notifying the authorities by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will enter into force on July 1, 2021.
The acts described in the relevant article will be subject to criminal penalties even if they remain at the attempt stage. If the value of the goods involved in the defined crimes is excessively high, the penalties may be increased by up to onefold of the original sentence. If the value is minor, penalties may be reduced by up to half, and if very minor, by up to one-third. The Acting Head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated that the criminal sanction applied to pre-filled tubes has now come into effect as part of the new regulation.
28% of People Use Tobacco Every Day
According to Turkish Statistical Institute health survey data, the share of people aged 15 and over who use tobacco daily was 26.5% in 2016 and rose to 28% in the most recent year. The figures are 41.3% for men and 14.9% for women. The proportion of people who do not use tobacco was 69.4% in 2016 and 68.7% in 2019. By age group, the highest daily tobacco use is observed in the 35–44 age group, at 42.8%.