
In Saudi Arabia, 7.62% of youth reported having ever tried using Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) in a survey conducted in 2022. The country has a regulatory framework that allows HTPs and regulates them as tobacco products. Based on these regulations, it is legal to import the product for trade, which suggests that importing them for personal use may also be permitted, although this is not explicitly stated. It is allowed to sell, purchase, use, and market the product. However, there are some restrictions on these products that should be taken into consideration: Manufacturers are required to place health warnings on the packaging; flavours are not allowed; nicotine content must not exceed 6 mg per unit; and there are restrictions on their use in public places. The minimum age for sale is 18 years. Additionally, advertising in any form is banned, and health claims are not allowed. The external refilling tank must not hold more than 30 ml of e-liquid per package. HTPs are taxed similarly to tobacco products, with the excise tax set at 100% of the pre-tax price.
Prevalence
- Shubayr MA, Alhazmi AS, El Dalatony MM, El Desouky ED, Al-Zalabani AH, Monshi SS, Elkhobby AA, Aldukhail SK, Alqahtani MM, Aldossary MS. Factors associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Tobacco Induced Diseases. 2024 Dec 18;22:10-8332.
- This was surveyed among youths.
Product promotion
- Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Tobacco Control Laws. Saudi Arabia. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/saudi-arabia/advertising-promotion-sponsorship/regulated-forms-of-advertising-promotion-and-sponsorships. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
Regulation
Year | Value | Reference/Comment |
---|---|---|
2024 | Allowed | 1A |
2024 | Allowed | 1B |
- Anti-smoking Global Index. (2024). [Data set]. https://antismoking.global/
- Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Tobacco Intelligence. Saudi Arabia: heated tobacco regulation, August 2022. Available at: https://tobaccointelligence.com/saudi-arabia-heated-tobacco-regulation-august-2022/. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
Availability
- Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Tobacco Intelligence. Saudi Arabia: heated tobacco regulation, August 2022. Available at: https://tobaccointelligence.com/saudi-arabia-heated-tobacco-regulation-august-2022/. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Philip Morris International website. Available at: https://www.pmi.com/smoke-free-products/iqos-our-tobacco-heating-system
- There are specific regulations.
- IQOS
Regulations and restrictions
- Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Global Action to End Smoking. State of Smoking and Health in Saudi Arabia. Available at: https://globalactiontoendsmoking.org/research/tobacco-around-the-world/saudi-arabia/. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Saudi Food & Drug Authority. Controls and Requirements for Electronic Smoking Devices. Available at: https://assets.tobaccocontrollaws.org/uploads/legislation/Saudi%20Arabia/Saudi-Arabia-SFDA-E-Cig-Requirements.pdf. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Tobacco Intelligence. Saudi Arabia: heated tobacco regulation, August 2022. Available at: https://tobaccointelligence.com/saudi-arabia-heated-tobacco-regulation-august-2022/. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
Tax
- Global Action to End Smoking. State of Smoking and Health in Saudi Arabia. Available at: https://globalactiontoendsmoking.org/research/tobacco-around-the-world/saudi-arabia/. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Tobacco Free Kids. Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs): Definition, Key Players, Global Market Growth and Demand. Available at: https://assets.tobaccofreekids.org/global/pdfs/en/HTP_global_market_taxation_en.pdf. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
- Yes, similar to tobacco products.