From May 15th, according to new regulations in Decree 90/2026/ND-CP, retail outlets displaying more than one pack, one carton, or one box of a single brand of cigarettes may be fined from 3 to 5 million VND.
The government has just issued Decree 90/2026/ND-CP regulating administrative penalties in the health sector, which includes new regulations aimed at tightening tobacco management, effective from May 15, 2026.
Article 24 concerns violations of regulations regarding prohibited smoking areas.
- A fine of VND 200,000 to VND 500,000 will be imposed for smoking in prohibited areas. Smoking on aircraft will be subject to the regulations on administrative penalties in the field of civil aviation.
- A fine of VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 shall be imposed for any of the following acts:
There are no "no smoking" signs or symbols in areas where smoking is prohibited by law;
Failure to organize, guide, inspect, or supervise the proper implementation of regulations prohibiting smoking in locations under their management and control.
- A fine of VND 5,000,000 to VND 10,000,000 will be imposed for any of the following acts in designated smoking areas:
There are no separate rooms or ventilation systems from the non-smoking area;
There are no containers for cigarette butts or ash.
There are no signs in a suitable, easily visible location;
There are no fire prevention or firefighting equipment.
According to the new regulations, each brand of cigarettes is only allowed to display a maximum of one pack at a retail outlet. (Illustrative image.)
Additionally, Article 25 also stipulates violations related to the sale and supply of tobacco products.
- A fine of VND 1,000,000 to VND 3,000,000 will be imposed for the act of not displaying a sign stating that tobacco products are not sold to persons under 18 years of age at the point of sale of tobacco wholesale and retail dealers.
- A fine of VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 shall be imposed for any of the following acts:
Displaying more than one pack, one carton, or one box of a single brand of cigarettes at a retail outlet or tobacco sales point;
Selling or supplying tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18;
Selling or supplying cigarettes without labels or health warnings printed on the packaging as required by law. If the cigarettes sold without labels or health warnings are smuggled or counterfeit, penalties will be applied according to the law on commercial activities, production, trading of counterfeit and prohibited goods, and consumer protection.
- Additional penalty: Suspension of business operations related to the violation for a period of 1 to 3 months for acts of selling or supplying tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age.
- Remedial measures: Mandatory recall and removal of the infringing elements from unlabeled cigarettes or cigarettes without health warnings printed on the packaging, in cases of selling or supplying cigarettes without labels or health warnings as required by law. If the infringing elements cannot be removed, the cigarettes must be destroyed.
