20% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 210,664 current smokers in Mauritius
38.1% of men are current smokers but only 2.8% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-06-19
Smoking in Mauritius
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Mauritius. Smoking prevalence was 25% in 2000 and declined to 22% in 2015, with a further drop to 20% projected by 2025. For men the smoking prevalence decreased from 47% in 2000 to 41% in 2015, with a further decrease to 38% projected by 2025. For women a low prevalence of 5% in 2000 decreased to just over 3% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to around 2.5% 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.
1,301
Deaths
1301 people in Mauritius die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
20%
tobacco smoking
Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 20%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Mauritius
In Mauritius, the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, and offer for sale of e-cigarettes, including e-liquids and devices, is banned. The country also prohibits the advertising and marketing of vaping products, and the sale of nicotine is not allowed.
Additionally, some sources suggest that e-cigarettes cannot be brought into the country for personal use. While it remains unclear whether they are available locally, some online sources claim to provide them through online, though this cannot be verified. In Mauritius you need a prescription to purchase E-cigarettes.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Mauritius
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are prohibited by law in Mauritius and are regulated as tobacco products. According to these regulations, it is illegal to import them for trade or personal use, as well as to sell, market, promote, or advertise them in any form. Their use is also prohibited in public places, workplaces, and on public transport. In Mauritius you can't legally purchase using HTP devices.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Mauritius
In Mauritius, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed, and it is legal to use, sell, and purchase NRT products without a prescription. Although these products are not regulated as medicinal products, they are available in pharmacies. Although NRT is not included on the country's essential drugs list, the government provides full financial support to cover the cost of NRT. NRT are available in Pharmacy.
Snus
in Mauritius
There are no online sources indicating specific regulations regarding snus in Mauritius. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 suggests that snus is permitted in the country, including its sale and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Mauritius
Nicotine pouches are prohibited by law in Mauritius, including their sale and use. Available sources do not provide information on whether they can be imported for personal use. If you have relevant information regarding this, please share it with the GSTHR team. It is illegal to use Pouches in Mauritius.
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.