34% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 1.7 million current smokers in Lebanon
43.1% of men are current smokers but only 25.7% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-04-11
Smoking in Lebanon
The trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in the Lebanon has been slightly downwards, driven by women's reducing smoking rates. In 2000 the prevalence was estimated to be 36.5%; this decreased to 33% in 2015, with a projection to stay at roughly the same level by 2025. The prevalence for men's smoking increased from just under 40% to just over 40% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to increase further to over 42% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. Women's smoking during the same period decreased from 33% in 2000, to 26% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to 25% 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 are not age standardised, and 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.
5,689
Deaths
5689 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Lebanon.
34%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 34%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Lebanon
As of January 2025, e-cigarettes and vaping products are banned in Lebanon, including their import and sale. However, purchasing e-cigarettes is possible through online means. Regulations regarding bringing vapes for personal use remain unclear, and the legal status of vaping in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport is uncertain.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Lebanon
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are legally permitted in Lebanon. HTPs are regulated as tobacco products, not as medicinal products. According to these regulations, it is legal to sell and purchase HTPs both in-person and online, import them for personal use, and market them. However, there are some regulatory restrictions regarding HTPs that must be observed. Manufacturers are required to include health warnings on the packaging. Health claims are prohibited, and all forms of advertising are banned. Additionally, there is a minimum age of 18 for purchasing HTPs. The nicotine content is limited to 1 mg per cigarette, and the use of the product in public places is prohibited. The excise tax rate is set at 0.5. Overall, Lebanon maintains a generally favorable stance toward HTPs, with certain restrictions in place.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Lebanon
You can't advertise NRT in Lebanon.
Snus
in Lebanon
Lebanon maintains a positive regulatory status for Snus. Its sale, purchase, and use are legally allowed, with no restrictions on flavour ranges and no applicable excise tax. However, certain limitations are in place: manufacturers must include health warnings on packaging, and health-related claims are not allowed. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Lebanon.
Pouches
in Lebanon
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper
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
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