Legal smoking age
{{Short description|Minimum age at which a person can legally purchase or consume tobacco products}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
The smoking age is the minimum legal age required to purchase or use tobacco or cannabis products. Most countries have laws that forbid sale of tobacco products to persons younger than certain ages, usually the age of majority.
This article does not discuss laws that regulate electronic cigarettes.
Laws by region
= Africa =
{{Incomplete list|date=June 2019}}
File:Verkaufsalter für Tabakwaren in Afrika.svg as of 2015:
{{legend|#fc8d62|Minimum age is 21}}{{legend|#8da0cb|Minimum age is 19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age is 18}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age is 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|No minimum age}}]]
= Americas =
File:Verkaufsalter für Tabakwaren in Nordamerika.svg, Greenland, Mexico, and the United States as of December 2019*
{{legend|#fc8d62|Minimum age is 21}}{{legend|#8da0cb|Minimum age is 19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age is 18}}
*May include laws that have not yet gone into effect.]]
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:75%;" |
| rowspan=2 style="width:30%;"| Country
! colspan=2 style="width:30%;"| De jure ! rowspan=2 style="width:40%;"| Notes |
|---|
| style="width:15%;"| Smoking age
! style="width:15%;"| Purchase age |
| {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18 |
| {{flag|Argentina}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 | It is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors.{{cite web |url=http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/180000-184999/183207/norma.htm |title=Ley 26.687 Articulo 18. |date=11 June 2011 |language=es |website=infoleg.gob.ar |publisher=Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas Públicas |access-date=23 May 2015}} |
| {{flag|Bahamas}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 |
| {{flag|Belize}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| None | |
| {{flag|Bermuda}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 | No person shall sell or supply any cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products to a minor. A person selling or supplying any cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products to a person who appears to be under 25 years of age shall, before selling or supplying them, ensure, by requiring photo identification, that the latter person is not a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bermuda/Bermuda%20-%20Public%20Health%20Amdt.%20Act%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Products (Public Health) Amendment Act 2005 Section 4D Sale or supply to minors prohibited |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |access-date=25 May 2015}} |
| {{flag|Bolivia}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 | The sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18 years is prohibited.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bolivia/Bolivia%20-%20Circular%20No.%20269%20on%20Decree%20No.%2029376%20.pdf |title=Circular No. 269/2007 Article 11. –(Bans). |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=10 |publisher=National Legal Office |access-date=26 May 2015}} |
| {{flag|Brazil}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 | It is illegal to "sell Products whose ingredients can cause physical or psychic dependence, even if only through improper use" (...). This also includes tobacco products of any kind.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Brazil/Brazil%20-%20Law%20No.%208069.pdf |title=Lei 8069/1990 "Venda proibida a menores de 18 anos Art. 81 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=1 |publisher=Government of Brazil |access-date=9 June 2015}} |
| {{flag|British Virgin Islands}}
| align=center | None | align=center | 18 | It is illegal to sell or offer to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is not illegal for minors to purchase, possess or consume tobacco.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/British%20Virgin%20Islands/British%20Virgin%20Islands%20-%20TC%20Act%2C%202006%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Products Control Act, 2006 5. (1) |date=2006 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |publisher=Legislative Council |access-date=23 May 2015}} |
| colspan=4 |{{flag|Canada}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" ! Regulations by province and territory: |
| style="background:#F2F2F2;text-align:center;width:20%;"|Province/territory
|style="background:#F2F2F2;text-align:center;width:15%;"|Smoking age |style="background:#F2F2F2;text-align:center;width:15%;"|Purchase age |style="background:#F2F2F2;text-align:center;width:50%;"|Notes |
| style="text-align:center" |Federal Government
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/T-11.5.pdf |title=Tobacco Act Part II Access: Section 8 |date=27 April 2015 |language=en, fr |website=laws-lois.justice.gc.ca |page=11 |publisher=Minister of Justice |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to a minor under the age of 18. |
| {{flag|Alberta}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/T03P8.pdf |title=Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act Section 7.5 |date=20 February 2015 |website=qp.alberta.ca |page=9 |publisher=Legislative Assembly of Alberta |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to a minor under the age of 18. |
| {{flag|British Columbia}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web |url=http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/10_232_2007#section2 |title=Tobacco Control Act Section 2 (2) |date=1 September 2008 |website=bclaws.ca |publisher=Legislative Assembly of British Columbia |access-date=14 May 2015}} | |
| {{flag|Manitoba}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/n092e.php |title=The Non-Smokers Health Protection Act 7(1),(2) |date=1 April 2014 |website=gov.mb.ca |publisher=Legislative Assembly of Manitoba |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell, give, buy for, lend or otherwise provide tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 years. Parents can provide tobacco products to their children on private property. Further it is legal to supply tobacco to a minor if it is solely for use in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies. |
| {{flag|New Brunswick}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web |url=http://www.canlii.org/en/nb/laws/stat/snb-1993-c-t-6.1/latest/snb-1993-c-t-6.1.html |title=Tobacco Sales Act, SNB 1993, c T-6.1 Chapter T-6.1 5, 6 |date=1 January 2009 |website=canlii.org |publisher=Federation of Law Societies of Canada |access-date=15 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell and supply tobacco products to anyone under the age of 19 years. It is also illegal to attempt to purchase tobacco on behalf of, or for the purpose of resale to, a person under the age of 19 years. |
| {{flag|Newfoundland and Labrador}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web |url=http://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/t04-1.htm#4_ |title=Tobacco Control Act Section 4 |date=17 December 1993 |website=assembly.nl.ca |publisher=Queen's Printer |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell, give or furnish, directly or indirectly, tobacco to a person under the age of 19 years. |
| {{flag|Northwest Territories}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/files/legislation/tobacco-control/tobacco-control.a.pdf |title=Tobacco Control ActPart 2: 3 |date=21 January 2007 |website=justice.gov.nt.ca |publisher=Department of Justice |access-date=14 May 2015}} | No person shall sell or supply, or offer to sell or supply, tobacco or a tobacco accessory to a person under the age of 18. No one under the age of 18 years shall purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco or a tobacco accessory. |
| {{flag|Nova Scotia}}
|colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web|url=http://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/smokfree.htm|title=Smoke-free Places Act. 2002, c. 12, s. 1.|website=nslegislature.ca|publisher=Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly|access-date=19 August 2015|date=2002}}{{cite web |url=http://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/tobacacc.htm |title=Tobacco Access Act Section 5 |date=1993 |website=nslegislature.ca |publisher=Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly |access-date=14 May 2015}} | No vendor or employee of a vendor shall sell or give tobacco or a tobacco product to a person under the age of nineteen years. No person shall purchase tobacco or a tobacco product on behalf of, or for the purpose of resale or give tobacco or a tobacco product, to a person under the age of nineteen years. No person under the age of nineteen years may possess tobacco. |
| {{flag|Nunavut}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web |url=http://www.canlii.org/en/nu/laws/stat/snu-2003-c-13/latest/snu-2003-c-13.html |title=Tobacco Control Act, SNu 2003, c 13 Provision of Tobacco to Persons Under 19 |date=2003 |website=canlii.org |publisher=Federation of Law Societies of Canada |access-date=14 May 2015}} | No person shall sell or supply, or offer to sell or supply, tobacco to a person who is less than 19 years old. |
| {{flag|Ontario}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19{{cite web |url=https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/94t10#BK2 |title=Smoke-Free Ontario Act, S.O. 1994, c. 10 Section 3 |date=1994 |website=ontario.ca |publisher=Queen's Printer for Ontario |access-date=14 May 2015}} | No person shall sell or supply tobacco to a person who is less than 19 years old. No person shall sell or supply tobacco to a person who appears to be less than 25 years old unless he or she has required the person to provide identification and is satisfied that the person is at least 19 years old. |
| {{flag|Prince Edward Island}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"| 21{{cite web |url=https://docs.assembly.pe.ca/download/dms?objectId=4aae8088-a974-456d-b291-7bc8ef553c41&fileName=chapter-40.pdf | title=An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Device Sales and Access Act | date=28 November 2019 |website=gov.pe.ca |publisher=Legislative Counsel Office, Province of Prince Edward Island |access-date=5 May 2020}} | No person shall sell or supply tobacco to a person under the age of 21 years. No person shall purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco on behalf of, or for the purpose of resale to, a person under the age of 21 years. It is legal to supply tobacco to a minor if it is solely for use in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies. The minimum legal age for tobacco sales was raised from 19 to 21 on March 1, 2020, after a private members' bill passed third reading on November 21, 2019, and Royal Assent given on November 28, 2019. The bill exempted individuals born on or before March 1, 2001. |
| {{flag|Quebec}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=2&file=/T_0_01/T0_01_A.html |title=Tobacco Act Sections 13, 14.2, 14.3 |date=1 April 2015 |website=publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca |publisher=Éditeur officiel du Québec |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 years. The operator of a tobacco retail outlet may not give tobacco to a minor. The operator of a tobacco retail outlet may not sell tobacco to an adult, if the operator knows the person is purchasing the tobacco for a minor. |
| {{flag|Saskatchewan}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|None | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|18{{cite web |url=http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/english/Statutes/Statutes/t14-1.pdf |title=The Tobacco Control Act Part II 4. |website=qp.gov.sk.ca |publisher=The Queen's Printer |access-date=14 May 2015}} | It is illegal to sell, lend, assign, give or send tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 years. |
| {{flag|Yukon}}
| colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19 | colspan=1 style="text-align:center;"|19 | The Tobacco and Vaping Products Control and Regulation Act, effective March 5, 2020, replaced the 2008 Smoke-free Places Act. The new act includes the regulation of vaping and vapour products. |
|-
| {{flag|Chile}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell any form of tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years.{{cite web |url=http://web.minsal.cl/tabaco_preguntas_respuestas |title=Nueva Ley de Tabaco – Ley 20.660 |date=1 March 2013 |language=es |website=web.minsal.cl |publisher=Ministerio de Salud |access-date=10 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613102931/http://web.minsal.cl/tabaco_preguntas_respuestas |archive-date=13 June 2015 |df=dmy-all }}
|-
| {{flag|Colombia}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is forbidden for any individual or legal entity to directly or indirectly sell tobacco products and its derivatives in any of its presentations to minors under the age of 18 years. In case of question, one must ask each tobacco purchaser to show that he has reached majority age.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Colombia/Colombia%20-%20Law%20No.%201335.pdf |title=Law No. 1335 Provisions By Which Damages Caused to Minors and the Non-Smoking Population Are Prevented and Public Policies Are Stipulated to Prevent Tobacco Consumption and the Cessation of the Smoker's Dependence on Tobacco and Its Derivatives in the Colombian People |date=21 July 2009 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |publisher=Congress of Colombia |access-date=25 May 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Costa Rica}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| Tobacco products may not be sold to minors. Wholesale or retail vendors of products shall have the obligation, at their own expense, to display posters that are visible, clear and prominently placed on the inside of places of sale, stating that the sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Costa%20Rica/Costa%20Rica%20-%20TC%20Law%20No.%209028.pdf |title=Law Nº 9028 General Law for the Control of Tobacco and Its Harmful Effects on Health ARTICLE 16.- Regulation of the sale and provision of tobacco products in particular places and spaces |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=10 |publisher=Government of Costa Rica |access-date=25 May 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Cuba}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| align=center | Minors cannot legally buy tobacco,{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Cuba/Cuba%20-%20Council%20of%20Ministers%20Agreement%20No.%205570%20-%20national.pdf |title=Council of Ministers Agreement No. 5570 |date=2 December 2005 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |access-date=25 May 2015}} but stores may sell it to those who look 13 or older.{{Cite web|author=Mary Murray |date=2005-02-07|title=Island synonymous with cigars cracks down|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6928240/ns/world_news/t/island-synonymous-cigars-cracks-down/|access-date=2020-08-30|website=MSNBC|language=en}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
|-
| {{flag|Cayman Islands}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| Tobacco Law, 2007 Part V – Section 10: No person shall sell tobacco to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/MHS/BILLS/TOBACCOBILL.PDF |title=Tobacco Law, 2007: Part V – Section 10 |date=2007 |website=gov.ky |page=13 |publisher=Legislative Assembly |access-date=9 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023206/http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/MHS/BILLS/TOBACCOBILL.PDF |archive-date=24 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }}
|-
| {{flag|Dominican Republic}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.pmi.com/es_do/responsibility/how_we_operate/youth_smoking_prevention/pages/pmdr_youth_smoking_prevention_program.aspx |title=Prevención del consumo de tabaco por menores en República Dominicana |language=es |website=pmi.com |publisher=Philip Morris International Management SA |access-date=3 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612212700/http://www.pmi.com/es_do/responsibility/how_we_operate/youth_smoking_prevention/pages/pmdr_youth_smoking_prevention_program.aspx |archive-date=12 June 2015 |df=dmy-all }}
|-
| {{flag|Ecuador}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell or let sell tobacco to or by a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Ecuador/Ecuador%20-%20Organic%20Law%20for%20TC.pdf |title=Organic Law for the Regulation and Control of Tobacco Art. 14.– Bans with Regard to Minors. |date=23 July 2011 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=9 |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|El Salvador}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell or give tobacco to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/El%20Salvador/El%20Salvador%20-%20Decree%20No.%20677%20%20-%20national.pdf |title=Codigo de Familia Art. 369. Prohibicion de Vender Productos Nocivos |date=3 February 2006 |language=es |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=2 |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Falkland Islands}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| None
|
|-
| {{flag|Guatemala}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18
| It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 years. Public consumption of tobacco by minors is prohibited. (El decreto 90–97, Código de Salud, indica en su artículo 50){{cite web|url=http://www.ronesdeguatemala.com/menores.php|title=Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala|language=es|website=ronesdeguatemala.com|access-date=9 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530081151/http://www.ronesdeguatemala.com/menores.php|archive-date=30 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}
|-
| {{flag|Guyana}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| No tobacco may be sold or furnished to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Guyana/Guyana%20-%20Protection%20of%20Children%20Act%202009%20-%20national.pdf |title=Protection of Children Act 2009 Part VIII – Section 50 |date=12 November 2009 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=2 |publisher=Parliament |access-date=9 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Haiti}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
|
|-
| {{flag|Honduras}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 21
| The sale and gifting of tobacco-derived products to persons under 21 years of age is prohibited.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Honduras/Honduras%20-%20Decree%20No.%2092-2010.pdf |title=Decree No. 92-2010, Special Tobacco Control Law (LECT) Article 16. |date=21 February 2011 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=8 |publisher=National Congress |access-date=9 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Jamaica}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
|-
| {{flag|Mexico}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
|-
| {{flag|Nicaragua}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
|-
| {{flag|Panama}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| The sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Panama/Panama%20-%20Law%2013%20of%202008.pdf |title=Law No. 13 of January 24, 2008 "Which Adopts Measures to Control Tobacco and its Harmful Effects on Health" Article 19. |date=25 April 2008 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=3 |publisher=National Executive Body |access-date=9 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Paraguay}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is unlawful to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.bat.com.py/group/sites/BAT_82LFZ8.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO8DJK4C?opendocument |title=Operando con responsabilidad Ley N° 1680/2001 |language=es |website=bat.com.py |publisher=British American Tobacco Paraguay |access-date=10 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Peru}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18
| The sale of tobacco products to/by minors under the age of 18 is prohibited.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Peru/Peru%20-%20Law%20No.%2028705.pdf |title=General Law for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use Risks Article 11.– Bans on Marketing |date=6 April 2006 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=4 |publisher=The Congress |access-date=10 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| Tobacco shall not be sold to or by a child under the age of 18 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act%202009%20-%20national.pdf |title=The Tobacco Control Act, 2009 Part III – Prohibitions – Section 13. Prohibition on sales by minors |date=23 December 2009 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=15 |publisher=Parliament |access-date=10 June 2015}}
|-
|{{flag|United States}}
| align=center | Varies by state
| align=center | 21
| {{see also|U.S. history of tobacco minimum purchase age by state}} Since December 20, 2019, the smoking age in all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia has become 21.{{cite web |title=Tobacco 21 |url=https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/tobacco-21#:~:text=On%20Dec.,from%2018%20to%2021%20years. |publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration |access-date=1 September 2022 |language=en |date=10 February 2022}}
|-
| {{flag|Uruguay}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell tobacco to a minor. A clearly legible notice with the sale ban to under anyone under the age of 18 years has to be placed inside and outside the premises.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Uruguay/Uruguay%20-%20Law%20No.%2018.256.pdf |title=Law No. 18.256 on Smoking Control Regulations Chapter III: Measures Related to Reduction in the Demand for Tobacco – Article 11. (Bans) A) |date=6 March 2008 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=2 |publisher=Plenary Assembly |access-date=10 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Venezuela}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to a minor anyone under 18.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Venezuela/Venezuela%20-%20Protection%20of%20Children%20and%20Adolescents%20-%20national.pdf |title=Ley Organica Para La Proteccion Del Niño y del Adolescente Articulo 92 |date=3 September 1998 |language=es |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=24 |publisher=Congreso de La Republica |access-date=10 June 2015}}
|}
= Asia =
File:Smoking Age by Country in Asia.svg as of 2022
{{legend|#000000|Illegal at any age}}{{legend|#fc8d62|Minimum age is 21}}{{legend|#c962fc|Minimum age is 20}}{{legend|#8da0cb|Minimum age is 19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age is 18}}{{legend|#e78ac3|Minimum age is 17}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age is 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|No minimum age or unknown}}]]
{{Incomplete list|date=June 2015}}
= Europe =
| class="wikitable" style="width: 170px;"
|+Legend |
| style="background: #ccffcc;" align="center" | Minimum age to purchase and consume tobacco products |
| style="background: #ffffcc;" align="center" | Minimum age to purchase tobacco product, but no minimum age to consume tobacco products |
| style="background: #ffcccc;" align="center" | No minimum age to purchase and consume tobacco products |
File:Verkaufsalter für Tabakwaren in Europa.svg as of 2015:
{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age is 18}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age is 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|Depending on jurisdiction}}
Note: Regulation by canton in Switzerland is below.]]
File:Schweiz Tabak Abgabealter nach Kanton.svg by canton as of 2015:
{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age is 18}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age is 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|No minimum age}}]]
|-
| style="background: #ffffcc;" align="center" | {{flag|Turkey}}
| align="center" | None
| align="center" | 18
|
|-
| style="background: #ffffcc;" align="center" | {{flag|Ukraine}}
| align="center" | None
| align="center" | 18
|
|-
| rowspan="3" style="background: #ccffcc;" align="center" |{{flag|United Kingdom}}
| style="text-align:center;" |
16
(public possession de facto)
|18
(purchase de jure)
| {{flag|England}} and {{flag|Wales}}:
It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/767/contents/made |title=The Children and Young Persons (Sale of Tobacco etc.) Order 2007 2. Substitution of references to age in sections 7 and 102 of the 1933 Act |date=2007 |website=legislation.gov.uk |page=1 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=1 June 2015}} The minimum age to smoke in public is 16 and authorities have the duty to seize any tobacco or cigarette papers in the possession of any person apparently under the age of 16.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/23-24/12/section/7 |title=Children and Young Persons Act 1933 c. 12 Part I – Offences – Section 7 (3) |date=1933 |website=legislation.gov.uk |page=1 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=1 June 2015}} Import: People 17 and older are entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco products.{{Cite web |title=Bringing goods into the UK for personal use |url=https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}
Minimum age to purchase was 16 from 1908 to 1 October 2007.
No minimum age prior to 1908.
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 18
| {{flag|Scotland}}:
A person who sells a tobacco product or cigarette papers to a person under the age of 18 commits an offence. Any person under the age of 18 who buys or attempts to buy a tobacco product or cigarette papers commits an offence as well as an adult who knowlingly buys a tobacco product or cigarette papers on behalf of a person under the age of 18.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/3/part/1/chapter/1/crossheading/sale-and-purchase-of-tobacco-products |title=Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 Chapter 1 – Sale and purchase of tobacco products |date=2010 |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=10 June 2015}} Any constable who has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person in a public place is under the age of 18, and in possession of a tobacco product or cigarette papers may require the person to surrender the tobacco product.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/3/section/7 |title=Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 Chapter 1 – Miscellaneous |date=2010 |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=10 June 2015}} Import: People over the age of 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco products.
Minimum age was 16 prior to 30 September 2007.
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 18
| Northern Ireland:
A person who sells to a person under the age of 18 any tobacco or cigarette papers, whether for his or her own use or not, shall be guilty of an offence. A member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland may seize any tobacco or cigarette papers in the possession of any person apparently under the age of 18 whom he or she finds smoking in any street or public place.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1978/1907/part/II |title=Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 Part II – Sale of Tobacco, Etc. to Persons Apparently Under 18 |date=1978 |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=10 June 2015}}
Minimum age was 16 prior to 1 September 2008.
|-
|}
{{notelist}}
= Oceania =
{{Incomplete list|date=June 2015}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| colspan=4 | It is illegal to sell and supply tobacco to a minor.
|-
| {{flag|Fiji}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell and supply tobacco to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Fiji/Fiji%20-%20Act%20No.%2047%20.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Act 1998 10. Prohibition on supplying tobacco to persons under 18 years |date=1998 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=12 |publisher=Government of Fidji |access-date=2 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Micronesia, Federated States of}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18
| It is illegal to sell and supply tobacco to a minor.
|-
| {{flag|New Zealand}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell and supply tobacco products to a minor under 18 years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cab.org.nz/vat/gl/roi/pages/legalagesandid.aspx|title = Citizens Advice Bureau}}
No minimum age prior to 1903.
Minimum age of 15 years from 1903 to 1988.
Minimum age of 16 years from 1988 to 1998.{{cite web |url=https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/lawtalk/lawtalk-archives/issue-840/that-was-the-law |title=That was the law – The Police Offences Act 1927 |date=28 April 2014 |website=lawsociety.org.nz |publisher=New Zealand Law Society |access-date=3 June 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.sfc.org.nz/infohistory.php |title=The history of tobacco control in New Zealand |website=sfc.org.nz |publisher=The Smokefree Coalition |access-date=3 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614011446/http://www.sfc.org.nz/infohistory.php |archive-date=14 June 2015 |df=dmy-all }}
|-
| {{flag|Palau}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
21 (Only rolling papers and elaus)
| It is illegal to sell or give tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 years. If the purchaser appears to be under the age of 30 years, ID must be checked before sale. It is illegal to employ anyone under the age of 21 handling tobacco products. It is illegal to sell rolling papers and elaus to anyone under the age of 21 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Palau/Palau%20-%20RPPL%20No.%20827%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Section 21. |date=2009 |page=12 |publisher=Government of Palau |access-date=2 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell or give tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Papua%20New%20Guinea/Papua%20New%20Guinea%20-%20Tobacco%20Products%20%28Health%20Control%29%20Act%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Products (Health Control) 1987 9. Sale of Tobacco Products to Persons Under 18 Years of Age. |date=1987 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=9 |publisher=Office of Legislative Counsel |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Samoa}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21
| It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 21 years. It is not illegal for a person under the age of 21 years to possess or smoke tobacco in public.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Samoa/Samoa%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Act 2008 23. Sale of tobacco products to persons under 21 prohibited |date=2008 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=18 |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell, give or otherwise supply tobacco to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Solomon%20Islands/Solomon%20Islands%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Act 2010 13. Sale to children prohibited |date=26 March 2010 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=17 |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Tonga}}
| align=center | None
| align=center | 18
| It is illegal to sell, give or otherwise supply tobacco to a minor.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Tonga/Tonga%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Act 2000 9 Prohibition on supplying tobacco to persons under 18 years. |date=2000 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=11 |publisher=Legislative Assembly |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|-
| {{flag|Tokelau}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 16
| It is illegal for a person under 16 to smoke tobacco.[http://www.paclii.org/cgi-bin/sinodisp/tk/legis/num_act/cpaer2003302/cpaer2003302.html Crimes, Procedure and Evidence Rules 2003], s51.
|-
| {{flag|Vanuatu}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18
| It is illegal to sell tobacco to persons under 18. It is illegal for persons under 18 to smoke tobacco.{{cite web |url=http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Vanuatu/Vanuatu%20-%20TC%20Act%20of%202009%20-%20national.pdf |title=Tobacco Control Act No. 19 of 2008 11 Sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 prohibited |date=2008 |website=tobaccocontrollaws.org |page=13 |publisher=Government of Vanuatu |access-date=3 June 2015}}
|}
Historical regulations
File:Verkaufsalter für Tabakwaren in Europa (im Jahr 1995).svg|Minimum age to purchase tobacco in the European Union as of 1995:
{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age was 18}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age was 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|No set minimum age}}
File:Verkaufsalter für Tabakwaren in Nordamerika (im Jahr 1989).svg|Minimum age to purchase tobacco in the USA as of 1989:{{cite web |url=https://industrydocuments.library.ucsf.edu/tobacco/docs/#id=zslh0030 |title=State Minimum Age Laws Enacted 1989–1994 |website=industrydocuments.library.ucsf.edu |publisher=Legacy Tobacco Documents |access-date=6 July 2015}}
{{legend|#8da0cb|Minimum age was 19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age was 18}}{{legend|#e78ac3|Minimum age was 17}}{{legend|#a6d854|Minimum age was 16}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|No set minimum age}}
File:Smoking Age - USA (2019).svg|Minimum age to purchase tobacco in the US prior to December 20, 2019:
{{legend|#fc8d62|Minimum age was 21}}{{legend|#8da0cb|Minimum age was 19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|Minimum age was 18}}
Cannabis age
File:Cannabis Purchase Age - North America and rest.svg
Since 2012, various jurisdictions throughout the world have legalized cannabis for recreational use. In Mexico, Uruguay and cannabis-legal jurisdictions in the United States, the legal age to possess or purchase cannabis is identical to the tobacco purchase age (18 in Mexico and Uruguay and 21 in the United States). In Canada, the legal age to possess or purchase cannabis is 19 in all provinces and territories except Alberta (18) and Quebec (21). There are therefore three Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan) and two territories (the Northwest Territories and Yukon) where the age to purchase tobacco is lower than the age to possess and purchase cannabis, and one province (Prince Edward Island) where the tobacco purchase age is higher. Prior to December 2019, when the United States raised its tobacco purchase age to 21 in all states and territories, several U.S. states had tobacco purchase ages lower than their cannabis possession and purchase ages.{{Cite journal |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew J. |last2=Crane |first2=Robert |last3=Winickoff |first3=Jonathan P. |date=2019-11-01 |title=The Emergence of the Tobacco 21 Movement From Needham, Massachusetts, to Throughout the United States (2003–2019) |journal=American Journal of Public Health |volume=109 |issue=11 |pages=1540–1547 |doi=10.2105/AJPH.2019.305209 |issn=0090-0036 |pmc=6775922 |pmid=31536403}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Law country lists}}
{{Smoking nav}}
{{Cigarettes}}