Kuwait bans online tobacco sales and raises legal age to 21

Kuwait has issued a comprehensive regulatory overhaul of its tobacco and nicotine market, banning all online sales and raising the legal purchase age to 21. Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al Awadhi issued Ministerial Resolution No. 237 of 2026, which establishes a strict framework for the import, sale, and use of tobacco products across the country. New Age Limits and Online Ban Effective from 1 January 2027, the new regulations prohibit the sale, delivery, or provision of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21. Retailers are mandated to verify customer ages using civil IDs or officially approved identification. The law defines "sale" broadly, covering electronic transactions, social media commerce, mobile applications, and delivery services—all of which will be prohibited for these products. The ban further extends to self-service vending machines. In physical retail locations, tobacco and nicotine products must be kept out of direct customer reach, requiring supervised access at all times. Restrictions on Vaping and Public Places The resolution explicitly treats electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products the same as conventional cigarettes. Consequently, vaping and the use of nicotine-delivery devices are banned in all public and enclosed spaces where smoking is currently prohibited. This includes schools, universities, hospitals, government buildings, sports clubs, and youth centers. Furthermore, the sale and display of these products are banned in…