Tobacco smoking in Morocco

In Morocco, smoking is allowed, but tobacco products are subject to specific control measures. Based on these regulations, while tobacco advertising is regulated, a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising is not currently in place. Health warnings on packaging are required, and smoking is restricted in specific public places such as healthcare, educational, and government facilities. Notably, there are no minimum age restrictions on sales. A specific excise rate of 8.00% is applied to cigarettes, contributing to a total taxation rate of 76.14%. Retail sale is allowed, and products can legally be purchased online. However, the sale of cigarettes through vending machines is prohibited.

The current prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older in Morocco showed significant gender disparities in 2024. The prevalence rate of smoking among adult males was notably higher, with 24% of men compared to only 1.2% of females reported as smokers. The overall current prevalence of smoking was 12.6% among the adult population. The number of smokers in Morocco was estimated to be approximately 3,5 million individuals in 2024. In comparison, data from 2020 indicated a slightly lower overall smoking prevalence of 12.1%, with 24% of males and 0.7% of females. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2018 was 11.6%, with a prevalence of 22.3% among males and 1.2% among females.

Tobacco smoking-related mortality in Morocco constituted 21,574 deaths in total in 2021, with males accounting for 17,095 of these deaths and females for 4,479. These figures represent 7.54% of all deaths, with gender-specific rates of 10.91% for males and 3.46% for females. These numbers highlight the ongoing public health challenges posed by tobacco smoking in Morocco, necessitating targeted interventions and policies to address these disparities and reduce tobacco-related harm.