Top Stories from Kuwait
24.5% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 966,000 current smokers in Kuwait
37.3% of men are current smokers but only 2.4% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-10-30
Smoking in Kuwait
Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in Kuwait show a decrease from 2000 (27%) to 2015 (24.3%), with a projection to decrease a little further to 23.6% by 2025. For women, smoking prevalence has been declining gradually year by year, from 6% in 2000 to 3% in 2015, and is projected to be around 2% by 2025. For men the trend has been very slightly downwards, with 40.5% being current smokers in 2000, 40% in 2015 and a projection of a tiny further reduction to 39.7% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
1,549
Deaths
1,549 people in Kuwait die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
1 million €
Market size of NRT.
Estimated NRT market size is 1.0 million €.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Kuwait
In Kuwait, e-cigarettes are allowed but restricted in terms of trade and sales. The importation and sale of both vaping devices and nicotine are prohibited, although vaping products are marketed. Despite these restrictions, individuals can purchase e-cigarettes online. The minimum age for purchasing vaping products is 21 years. Travelers should check with their airline to confirm whether they can carry vaping devices in their luggage.
A 2023 cross-sectional study by Alshaibani M. et al. found that the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adults aged 18 and older in Kuwait was 29.4%. Among males, the prevalence was significantly higher at 47.6%, compared to 14.4% among females.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Kuwait
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are legally allowed in Kuwait and are regulated as tobacco products. It is legal to use, sell, and import HTPs for trade, which also implies that importing them for personal use is permitted, even though it is not specifically mentioned. Additionally, marketing of HTPs is allowed.
However, there are some restrictions to note: all forms of advertising for HTPs are banned, the minimum age limit for purchase is set at 18 years, and the use of these products is legally restricted in public places. HTPs are subject to taxation as tobacco products, with an effective tax rate of 50% of the retail sale price.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Kuwait
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in Kuwait, and its products are regulated as medicinal products. As a result, it is legal to use and sell NRT products, and purchasing them without a prescription is permitted. NRT products are available in pharmacies throughout the country. The government supports NRT, as it is included on Kuwait’s essential drugs list. Therefore, the cost of NRT is fully covered by the government. NRT are available in Pharmacy.
Snus
in Kuwait
There is no available online information regarding the regulatory status of Snus in Kuwait. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 suggests that snus is permitted in the country, including its sale, purchase, and use.
Pouches
in Kuwait
There are no specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Kuwait. However, the product falls under general consumer goods. Available sources do not indicate whether these products can be imported for personal use. 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.