See the latest information about the status of tobacco policies and facts about the tobacco epidemic in Vietnam:
In Vietnam, 35.3 % of males and 1.7% of females smoke. The average smoker spends about one-third of the average annual cost of food and foodstuff on cigarettes. Vietnam produces 13,500 million cigarettes annually.
Each smoker consumes 1,230 sticks every year. Smoking among women is increasing and expected to continue. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey found that 13-15 year old girls expressed an interest to initiate smoking at a rate three times higher than their male counterparts.
Vietnam ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 17, 2004.
National tobacco control policy prohibits smoking in theaters, offices, health facilities, schools and other public areas. It also recommends that individuals encourage smokers not to smoke at social events such as weddings or funerals.
Taxation on tobacco products ranges from 37.3% to 55% of the final retail price of cigarettes. Advertising of tobacco products is restricted in the form of sponsorship at cultural and sports events, however, other forms of advertising do not appear to be similarly restricted. Health warnings are required on cigarette packs although not required to be in accordance with FCTC guidelines for effective packaging and labeling.
Sources: Euromonitor, ACS: Tobacco Atlas (second edition), FCA, WHO, Central Institute of Medical Science Information, Vietnamese Medico-Pharmaceutical Information, Health Policy: http://www.cimsi.org.vn/english/Healthpolicy/Bai5.htm