Tobacco is one of the leading risk factors causing chronic diseases and seriously affecting public health, especially among adolescents. To strengthen the prevention of tobacco harms and protect the health of the younger generation, the Government has issued strict penalty regulations for violations in the business and supply of this product.
On March 30, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP regulating penalties for administrative violations in the health sector. This Decree will officially take effect on May 15, 2026, specifying detailed fines for tobacco business establishments, wholesalers, and retailers.
Penalties for supplying tobacco to persons under 18 years old
According to Article 25 of Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP, preventing access to tobacco products by persons under 18 is a top priority. Specifically, business establishments and retailers that sell or supply tobacco to persons under 18 will face fines ranging from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND.
In addition, to ensure transparency and warnings at points of sale, the Decree also stipulates a fine of 1,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND for wholesalers and retailers who fail to display a sign stating “No tobacco sales to persons under 18 years old” at the sales area.
Regulations on display and health warning labels
Not only restricting buyers, but the Decree also strictly regulates the display methods and standards of circulated tobacco products. To limit the attraction and promotion of tobacco, displaying more than one pack, one carton, or one box of the same tobacco brand at agents and retail points will be fined from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND.
A fine of 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND is also applied to selling or supplying tobacco products without labels or without printing health warnings on the packaging as prescribed by current laws. It should be noted that if authorities discover tobacco products without labels or health warnings that are smuggled or counterfeit, violating individuals and organizations will face additional penalties based on the laws regarding commercial activities, production, trading of counterfeit and banned goods, and consumer protection.
Additional penalties for violating the establishments
Besides the above fines, Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP also applies supplementary, highly deterrent penalties to ensure strict compliance from business establishments. According to Clause 2, Article 25 of the Decree, establishments committing violations (such as selling tobacco to persons under 18, violating display regulations, or selling tobacco without health warnings) will have their business activities related to the violation suspended for a period of 01 to 03 months.
These new regulations once again affirm the strong commitment of management agencies in minimizing tobacco harms, building a healthy living environment, and protecting the comprehensive development of the younger generation from health risks.
Center for Support & Continuing Education