The Department of Health’s “Guidance for Public Officials on Interacting with the Tobacco Industry” was released in November 2019, outlining the legal obligations placed on public health organizations and officials in their interactions with the tobacco industry. The guide covers areas such as interactions with the tobacco industry, management of conflicts of interest, rejection of partnerships with and preferential treatment of the tobacco industry, and the de-normalization of the tobacco industry’s ‘socially responsible’ activities.

The Austrian Government adopted, in November 2019, a comprehensive smoke-free policy, which also includes bars and restaurants among the premises covered by the ban. Up until now, smoking had been legal in small bars and restaurants, and allowed smoking rooms in hospitality venues larger than 50 square meters. This regulation also applies to waterpipes and electronic cigarettes. By introducing these measures, Austria strengthened implementation of Article 8 of the Convention and the relevant guidelines.

The Austrian Government adopted, in November 2019, a comprehensive smoke-free policy, which also includes bars and restaurants among the premises covered by the ban. Up until now, smoking had been legal in small bars and restaurants, and allowed smoking rooms in hospitality venues larger than 50 square meters. This regulation also applies to waterpipes and electronic cigarettes. By introducing these measures, Austria strengthened implementation of Article 8 of the Convention and the relevant guidelines.

Saudi Arabia started to apply 100% excise tax on all tobacco products in compliance with the agreed Gulf Cooperation Council tax increase to harmful products to human health and the environment in 2016. The Excise Tax Guidelines, adopted in June 2017, issued by the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT), comes in compliance with Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Saudi Arabia is Party to since 09 May, 2005, as one of the first countries to ratify the treaty.

The 12 September 2019 marks the entry into force date of the regulation on plain cigarette packaging in Thailand that was officially gazette on 14 December 2018. The law permits a 90-day phase-out period for old cigarette stocks, meaning that by 12 December 2019, all cigarettes in Thailand must be sold in brown-coloured packs with cigarette brand names printed in a standardised font type, size, colour, and location, without brand colours or logos.

The groundbreaking step of introducing plain packaging for all tobacco products has now been completed by Saudi Arabia. The regulation issued by the Food and Drug Authority has now entered into force. This policy makes Saudi Arabia the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean to pass such regulation, bringing it in line with the requirements of Article 11 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and its guidelines. Saudi Arabia is Party to the Convention since 9 May 2005.

Republic of Moldova passed amendments to the national tobacco control law 278/2007 (as amended in 2015) with primary aim to include ENDS, heated tobacco products and the devices used with such products, in the legislation.