Ukraine

See the latest information about the status of tobacco policies and facts about the tobacco epidemic in Ukraine:

In Ukraine, 66.8% of males and 19.9% of females are smokers. Smoking prevalence among Ukrainian men is among the highest in the world, and is increasing especially among poorly educated, lower paid men. Among women just the opposite is true as more affluent, highly educated women have the highest smoking rates. A Ukrainian smoker consumes 1,389 cigarettes each year. The country imports 66,306 metric tons of tobacco leaf annually.

Ukraine ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on June 6, 2006.

Smoke-free policies restrict smoking in such areas as public transportation, schools, hospitals, and theaters. However, legislation appears largely ineffective as a study by the International Center for Policy Studies found that 53% of the population felt they were exposed to secondhand smoke. The same study found one-third of work places have no smoking restriction. One region in the Ukraine used existing legislation to develop and pass its own regional legislation prohibiting smoking in public places.

Taxation on tobacco products is expected to increase in the future.

Tobacco product advertisements are prohibited on television, radio and in print media aimed at minors and in certain outdoor areas. Advertising companies have filed suit against the government claiming unlawful bans. Health warning labels on cigarette packs are required to contain messages covering a minimum of 15% of the pack’s surface area.

Sources: Euromonitor, ACS: Tobacco Atlas (second edition), FCA, CTFK Legal document, WHO-EURO, International Center for Policy Studies (2005)

Related Information

American Cancer Society Tobacco Control Country Profile, Ukraine

Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC - Ukraine)

The Framework Convention Alliance for Tobacco Control Country Data, Ukraine

Relevant Law
Law of Ukraine on State Regulation of Production and Turnover of Ethyl Alcohol, Cognac and Fruit spirits, Alcoholic Drinks and Tobacco Products, No. 481/95, 1995 (amended 2002)
- Article 11 - regulates labeling
- Article 15 - regulates tobacco trade

Law of Ukraine on Advertising, No. 270/96-VR, 1996, (amended 2003)
- Article 21 - regulates tobacco product advertising

Law of Ukraine on Amending some Laws on Alcohol and Tobacco Products Production Licensing and Excise Duties, No. 374-V, effective 2007 Jul 1.

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