China is increasing its efforts to regulate smoking, with 44 cities implementing or updating measures in the past year. This brings the total number of cities with smoking regulations to 254, according to health authorities.
At the provincial level, 24 regions in China have implemented smoking regulations, with more of the population being covered by comprehensive smoke-free laws. This information was shared by experts from the National Health Commission during a ceremony in Beijing on Saturday. The event also included the establishment of a committee focused on tobacco control and health improvement, with a seminar held as part of the proceedings.
China ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005 and enforced it in 2006.
The WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides guidelines and recommendations that China has incorporated into its policies.
The country has decided, as outlined in a document released in 2016 aiming to build a healthier China, to intensify tobacco control through pricing, taxation, and legislation.
In 2023, 44 cities newly introduced or revised smoking regulations, bringing the total number of cities with relevant regulations to 254 nationwide.
China has implemented rules on the prohibition of smoking in public transportation, waiting rooms, and civil airports.
There are also regulations related to cigarette package labeling and the prohibition of selling electronic cigarettes to minors.
China has implemented graphic health warnings on cigarette packages. These warnings depict the harmful effects of smoking, such as lung diseases, cancer, and other health conditions.
The goal is to discourage smoking and inform consumers about the risks they face.
