16.1% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 3.4 million current smokers in North Korea
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-12-11
Smoking in North Korea
42,321
Deaths
42,321 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in North Korea.
16.1%
tobacco smoking
According to the 2024 data, Cigarettes use in North Korea remained at 16.1%, suggesting a a decrease pattern in consumption.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in North Korea
In North Korea, e-cigarettes are banned by law. As a result, the sale and importation of vaping products are prohibited. The sale of E-cigarettes is banned.
Heated Tobacco Products
in North Korea
North Korea does not have specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), including their sale, purchase, or importation for personal use. If you have any relevant and accurate information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in North Korea
In North Korea, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed, and it is legal to use, sell, and purchase NRT products from pharmacies with a prescription. The government provides partial financial support to help cover the cost of NRT. In North Korea it is illegal to sell nicotine for using NRT.
Snus
in North Korea
There are no online sources indicating specific regulations regarding snus in North Korea, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in North Korea
Available sources do not indicate any specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in North Korea, including their sale, purchase, use, or import for personal use. If you have any 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.