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11.5% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 1.4 million current smokers in Ecuador

18.8% of men are current smokers but only 4.3% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Ecuador
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-04-08

Smoking in Ecuador

The trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Ecuador shows a decrease from 13.5% in 2000 to 7% in 2015, and a projected decrease to 5% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. For men the prevalence was 21% in 2000 and decreased to 12.5% in 2015, with a projected further decrease to 9% by 2025. For women the prevalence was 6% in 2000, which decreased to 2% in 2015 and is projected to be around 1% 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.

3,559

Deaths

3559 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Ecuador.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Ecuador

It is legal to sell or use e-cigarettes in Ecuador, where they are considered “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems” which are included in Decree No.1047 and the Tobacco Regulation Control Act 2011. Restrictions on smoking in public places also apply to e-cigarettes. Advertising of e-cigarettes is only allowed in venues accessed solely by adults. Restrictions do not apply to non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Ecuador

In Ecuador, heated tobacco products are regulated the same as e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, under Article. 1 of the Tobacco Control (LORCT) Regulations.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Ecuador

You can't advertise NRT in Ecuador.

Snus

in Ecuador

Snus is allowed.

Pouches

in Ecuador

Pouches are allowed.

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.