Profile
Saudi Arabia Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Saudi Arabia Background
Profile
Saudi Arabia Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Data sourced: 2025.   Page updated: 2025-04-11

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

References:
  1. 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.
Comments:
  1. This was surveyed among youths.

Product promotion

References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
  2. 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
References:
  1. Anti-smoking Global Index. (2024). [Data set]. https://antismoking.global/
  2. Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
Yes
2
2022
References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
  2. 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

References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
  2. 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.
  3. Philip Morris International website. Available at: https://www.pmi.com/smoke-free-products/iqos-our-tobacco-heating-system
Comments:
  1. There are specific regulations.
  2. IQOS

Regulations and restrictions

YES
1
2024
Yes: 18 years
2
2025
Flavours are not allowed.
3
2025
The nicotine should not exceed 6 mg/unit
3
2025
YES
4
2022
The external refilling tank must not hold more than 30 ml of E-liquid per package.
3
2025
References:
  1. Anti Smoking Global Index. Heated Tobacco Product. Available at: https://antismoking.global/world-map. Accessed: 10 March 2025.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

100% of the pre-tax price.
1
2025
1.00
2 A
2021
References:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
Comments:
  1. Yes, similar to tobacco products.
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.