Tobacco Advertising Ban

Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of the Harms of Tobacco Products prohibits all advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products and their brands, logos or signs. Turkey is a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and applies some of the most comprehensive bans in this area.

Scope of the Ban

• Advertising and promotion of tobacco products in any medium,
• Use of tobacco brands, logos or signs on other products and services,
• Campaigns, promotions and gifts encouraging tobacco use,
• Sponsorship of any event with tobacco products,
• Broadcasting images encouraging tobacco use on television, in cinema, online and in other media.

Electronic Cigarettes and New Products

Electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and similar new products should also be assessed under the advertising and promotion bans on tobacco products. Their sale and import are also subject to restrictions; promoting them on social media carries serious sanction risk.

Social Media and Influencer Posts

The ban applies regardless of medium. Showing tobacco products in an encouraging way on brand accounts, in influencer collaborations and in social media advertising falls within the ban. Featuring cigarettes or cigars in lifestyle posts also carries a risk of covert advertising.

Sanctions

Breaches are subject to the administrative fines in Law No. 4207; for broadcasters, sanctions of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) also apply. The Advertising Board may also impose sanctions under advertising legislation. Market regulation and supervision of tobacco products is carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. For alcoholic beverages, see Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Ban.