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23.3% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 10.9 million current smokers in South Africa
39.3% of men are current smokers but only 8.5% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-12-11
Smoking in South Africa
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in South Africa. Smoking prevalence was 22% overall in 2000 and declined to 20% in 2015, with a further drop to 19% projected by 2025. For men the prevalence decreased from 35% in 2000 to 33% in 2015, with a further decrease to under 32% projected by 2025. For women prevalence was 11% in 2000; this decreased to around 8% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to around 7% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
32,442
Deaths
In South Africa, 32,442 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
3.3 million €
Market size of NRT.
NRT market size is estimated to be 3.3 million €.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in South Africa
In South Africa, as of 2021, there were approximately 920,000 vapers, with an adult e-cigarette vaping prevalence of 2.2%—0.7% among females and 3.8% among males. These figures suggest that e-cigarettes are available in the country, though it remains unclear how common they are.
E-cigarettes are allowed and regulated as medicinal products. They can be purchased with a prescription from pharmacies, but online purchases for personal use are not permitted. While nicotine sales are legal, health warnings on packaging are required, and there are minimum age restrictions of 18 years. Additionally, vaping is restricted in public places.
It is, however, unclear whether travelers are allowed to bring e-cigarettes for personal use. If you have firsthand experience regarding this, please email the GSTHR team.
Heated Tobacco Products
in South Africa
South Africa does not have specific laws for Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). However, these regulations of tobacco may also apply to HTPs in the country. While tobacco products can be sold, a license is required. Additionally, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, and the minimum age for purchase is 18 years. Tobacco products are prohibited from being used in public places, and their advertisement is banned by law. It is not clear whether tobacco products, including HTPs, are permitted to be imported for personal use. If you have firsthand experience or accurate information on this, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in South Africa
In South Africa, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed, and it is legal to use, sell, and purchase NRT products without a prescription. These products are available in pharmacies. However, the government does not provide financial support to cover the cost of NRT, as it is not included on the country's essential drugs list. NRT market size value in South Africa was estimated to be 3.3 million € in 2019.
Snus
in South Africa
There are no online sources providing information on specific regulations regarding snus in South Africa. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 suggests that snus is permitted in the country, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in South Africa
Available sources do not indicate any specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in South Africa, 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.