Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-06-19
In 2021, approximately 69,900 adults in Rwanda were current users of traditional smokeless tobacco, representing about 0.9% of the adult population. Its use was more common among women at 1.4%, compared to 0.4% among men. Daily consumption was slightly lower, at 0.5% of adults overall. From a regulatory perspective, traditional smokeless tobacco is legal in Rwanda and is formally regulated as a tobacco product. It is legal to sell and use, with online purchases permitted under existing laws. There is no ban on all types of advertising for smokeless tobacco products. However, packaging is required to carry health warnings and there is a minimum sales age of 18 years.
Prevalence
0.9%
1
A
2021
1.4%
1
A
2021
0.4%
1
A
2021
0.5%
1
A
2021
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-rwa.pdf?sfvrsn=a454a945_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
Comments:
- Adults survey: Rwanda STEPS, 2021; National, ages 18-69
Product promotion
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-rwa.pdf?sfvrsn=a454a945_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
Regulation
References:
- Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Rwanda. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/rwanda/sales-restrictions. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Availability
Yes
1
2020
Yes
1
2020
Yes
2025
Yes
1
2020
References:
- Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Rwanda. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/rwanda/sales-restrictions. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Regulations and restrictions
YES
1
2023
Yes: 18 years
1
2023
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-rwa.pdf?sfvrsn=a454a945_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
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We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
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