8.7% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 2.1 million current smokers in Afghanistan
15.8% of men are current smokers but only 1.6% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-12-11
Smoking in Afghanistan
9,151
Deaths
Annual deaths linked to tobacco smoking in Afghanistan total 9,151.
8.7%
tobacco smoking
By 2024, Cigarettes had been used by around 8.7% of individuals in Afghanistan.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Afghanistan
The regulatory status of nicotine vaping devices in Afghanistan remains undefined, as there are no specific laws regarding their use and sale. The country's legal framework is based on Islamic Sharia law, which does not explicitly address such modern devices. However, some interpretations of Sharia, particularly concerning health impacts and addictive properties, could classify vaping as forbidden (haram).
Due to the lack of clear legal guidelines, vaping in Afghanistan remains in a gray area. If you choose to vape in the country, it is thus advisable to do so privately, such as in your hotel room or a private residence. It is not adviced to vape particulary near religious places such as mosques or shrines. It is also better to keep the purchase slips of your vaping devices purchased from abroad to prove that you brought it for personal use and not for sale. Additionally, vaping shops and products are not widely available and common. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring your own vaping device along with a sufficient supply of e-liquid, coils, and batteries to last your entire trip.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Afghanistan
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are banned by law in Afghanistan. Under these regulations, it is illegal to sell, advertise, or market HTPs. The ban on these less harmful nicotine alternatives, compared to combustible cigarettes, will increase the demand for cigarettes in the country, putting smokers at risk of developing smoking-related diseases.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Afghanistan
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is banned in Afghanistan. NRT products are not regulated as medicinal products, and it is not legal to sell them. There is no government support for NRT products, as they are not on the country's essential drugs list. It is unclear whether these products can be imported for personal use, so it is advised to keep your prescription and purchase documents with you.
Snus
in Afghanistan
There are currently no available online sources regarding the existence of specific laws governing snus in Afghanistan. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 indicates that snus is permitted in the country, including its sale and use.
Pouches
in Afghanistan
There are no available online sources indicating specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Afghanistan, including their sale and purchase. However, these products are available in the country, and people buy and use them. If you have relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.