Profile
Somalia Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Somalia Background
Profile
Somalia Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Data sourced: 2023.   Page updated: 2025-06-19

Traditional smokeless tobacco is allowed in Somalia and is legal to sell and use. It can also be purchased online, and is widely available in shops, markets, pharmacies, and from street vendors. There are no requirements for health warnings on packaging, and no minimum age restrictions on sales, allowing access to individuals of any age. Additionally, there is no ban on advertising, meaning tobacco products can be promoted freely across various media.

Product promotion

References:
  1. 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-som.pdf?sfvrsn=41e141c8_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.

Availability

Yes
1
2023
Shops, markets, pharmacies, and street vendors
2
2023
References:
  1. 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-som.pdf?sfvrsn=41e141c8_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
  2. Biyo AA, Dahiye AM. Smokeless Tobacco Use among Youth in Mogadishu: A Case Study of Hodan District.

Regulations and restrictions

References:
  1. 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-som.pdf?sfvrsn=41e141c8_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
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.