Tanzania Vape Policy | Sales License, Legal Age, Compliance

Allowed Product Types

Pod SystemDisposableRefillable

Purchase Channels

PharmacySpecialty StoreOnline

Required Certifications

TBS certification

Complete Policy Details

Latest Developments

On March 5, 2026, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health's Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Control Act granted exemptions for electronic cigarette products during its review, exempting non combustible and smokeless tobacco products (chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine bags, and e-cigarettes) from the scope of the law. On April 7, 2026, the authorities of Zanzibar Island in Tanzania announced plans to ban the import and consumption of hookahs and electronic cigarettes.

Policy Trends

Zanzibar Island plans to completely ban the import and consumption of electronic cigarettes and hookahs. If the ban is implemented, it will have a significant revenue impact on the tourism industry, as hookah is very popular in tourist resorts and restaurants.

Taxation

-Electronic Cigarette Tax: Add 30% Electronic Cigarette Tax (Starting from September 2025) -Value added tax: 18% (standard tax rate) [Original table data] -Import tariff: HS 8543.90.00, with varying tax rates -Emissions carbon tax: 22000 shillings per ton (newly added environmental tax item)

Sales Channel Restrictions

Channel restrictions: Only available for sale in licensed pharmacies and licensed electronic cigarette stores Automatic vending machines are completely prohibited (including adult areas) Online sales require real-time age verification through the social security system Regional ban: Prohibited for sale within 300 meters around educational institutions (including university campuses) Sales are prohibited throughout national parks and ecological reserves

Age Restrictions

18+

Product Specifications

There is currently no national product specification standard available

Packaging Requirements

The packaging must indicate the composition and nicotine concentration of the electronic cigarette liquid, and include health warnings, especially regarding the hazards of nicotine [original table data]. There is currently no strict packaging standard for RTCR 519-2025 level.

Policy Documents

-Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2003 -Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Control Act (under review, exempting electronic cigarettes in March 2026) -Tanzania's Value Added Tax and Consumption Tax Adjustment Act 2025 -Zanzibar Executive Order (April 2026, plans to ban hookah and e-cigarettes)

Competent Authorities

-Ministry of Health: Responsible for the development and implementation of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Control Act -Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA): Electronic Cigarette Tax Collection and Import Control -Office of the President of Zanzibar: leading the ban on electronic cigarettes and hookah in Zanzibar Island -Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS): Product Quality Certification (if applicable)

Policy Details

On March 5, 2026, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health's Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Control Act granted exemptions for electronic cigarette products during its review, exempting non combustible and smokeless tobacco products (chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine bags, and e-cigarettes) from the scope of the law. On April 7, 2026, the authorities of Zanzibar Island in Tanzania announced plans to ban the import and consumption of hookahs and electronic cigarettes. Zanzibar Island plans to completely ban the import and consumption of electronic cigarettes and hookahs. If the ban is implemented, it will have a significant revenue impact on the tourism industry, as hookah is very popular in tourist resorts and restaurants.