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19.9% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 207,004 current smokers in Mauritius

37.6% of men are current smokers but only 2.9% of women

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

Smoking in Mauritius

There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Mauritius. Smoking prevalence was 25% in 2000 and declined to 22% in 2015, with a further drop to 20% projected by 2025. For men the smoking prevalence decreased from 47% in 2000 to 41% in 2015, with a further decrease to 38% projected by 2025. For women a low prevalence of 5% in 2000 decreased to just over 3% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to around 2.5% 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.

1,243

Deaths

1243 people in Mauritius die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Mauritius

A public health regulation, Government Notice No. 263 of 2008, The Public Health Act (regulations under sections 193 and 194 of the Public Health Act), prohibits the sale, offering for sale or distribution of products that look like tobacco or cigarettes - this includes e-cigarettes, however it is not clear whether non cig-a-like e-cigarettes are included. Restrictions cover sale and distribution only. Use of e-cigarettes is not restricted by this regulation.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Mauritius

The sale of HTP is banned. You can't advertise HTP in Mauritius.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Mauritius

In Mauritius you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. Advertising of NRT is allowed. NRT are available in Pharmacy.

Snus

in Mauritius

Snus is allowed. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Mauritius.

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.