Among the most notable proposals is a complete ban on the production, import, distribution, and sale of tobacco and nicotine products containing flavours or aromas, covering cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-liquids, heated tobacco products, and smokeless nicotine products.
The draft law also introduces stricter rules for smoking areas in hospitality venues, allowing smoking on terraces only if they are open on at least three sides and physically separated from non-smoking areas. In addition, the prohibition on smoking in enclosed public spaces would explicitly extend to electronic cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products.
Further measures include significant restrictions on retail locations and a ban on online sales of tobacco and nicotine products.
If adopted in its current form, the proposed law would represent one of the most significant tightenings of tobacco control regulations in recent years in the Republic of North Macedonia, with important implications for businesses operating in the sector.
More on this by Elena Kuzmanovska, Senior Associate from JPM Skopje office.
