Saudi Arabia has rolled out a comprehensive new set of regulations targeting tobacco sales across the country. With a firm focus on public health and regulatory control, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has banned tobacco shops within 500 meters of mosques and schools. The new rules also introduce strict licensing, operational, packaging, and sales requirements that apply to all businesses dealing in tobacco products and accessories.
Saudi regulations redefine where and how tobacco can be sold
Under the updated rules, no tobacco retail outlet is permitted to operate within 500 meters of any mosque or educational institution. This restriction is part of broader regulatory changes approved by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, aimed at building a safer and more orderly commercial environment across Saudi Arabia.All types of tobacco-selling establishments, including those offering cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes, must now secure a commercial license. This includes:
- A valid commercial registration
Civil Defense approval- Full compliance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its executive regulations
Location-based requirements are also in place. Shops must be situated in commercial buildings within urban areas, with a minimum floor space of 36 square meters. Other conditions vary based on street width and the site’s municipal classification.
Saudi rules set tight operational and design standards
Tobacco retailers must now meet a detailed list of technical, architectural, and operational conditions. These include:
- Storefront designs that follow the Saudi urban code or architecture guidelines
- Mandatory ramps for accessibility
- Installation of alarm and fire extinguishing systems
- Compliance with the Saudi Building Code covering ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and fire safety
In terms of visual presentation and public space use:
- No logos, promotional materials, or tobacco imagery are allowed on external signboards — only the business name may be displayed
- Use of public sidewalks outside the store for any business-related activity is banned
- Internal and external CCTV cameras must be installed
- Shops must support electronic payment methods and maintain proper waste disposal and hygiene standards
Saudi crackdown on tobacco sales to minors, promotions, and packaging violations
The regulations introduce several prohibitions and controls to ensure tobacco is handled responsibly:
- No sales to individuals under 18 — sellers must verify age and are allowed to request identification
- No mixing, repackaging, or selling in unapproved packaging
- No sale of single cigarettes or loose tobacco by weight (e.g., by kilo or fraction thereof)
- No vending machines for tobacco products
- No promotional offers, price cuts, free samples, gifts, or prizes involving tobacco products
- No advertising or importation of materials that promote tobacco use
- No consumer testing of tobacco products in stores
Retailers must be able to show proof of supplier for every product on the shelf. All products must meet the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) standards, and must be:
- Sealed and intact, with no manufacturing defects
- Clearly labeled with health warnings and explanatory text as per SFDA guidelines
- Sold only in SFDA-approved sizes and weights
Specifically for e-cigarettes, liquid containers must be tightly sealed to avoid leakage, and filling with tobacco is strictly prohibited. Clear and visible pricing is required for all items.
Saudi municipalities to enforce compliance and penalize violators
Enforcement of these new tobacco regulations will be overseen by local municipal authorities. They are tasked with:
- Monitoring adherence to the licensing and operational rules
- Imposing penalties on businesses that fail to comply
- Ensuring transparency through the required display of QR codes linking to licensing and regulatory information inside each store
- Requiring warning signage to be placed prominently to educate consumers about the risks of smoking
This oversight is part of a broader push to enhance public health infrastructure, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and raise the operational standards of urban commercial activity throughout the Kingdom.
