The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, is an Indian law that aims to prohibit the advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products. The act regulates the trade and commerce in tobacco products, provides for their production, supply, and distribution, and imposes restrictions on the sale of these products.

The act prohibits smoking in public places, except in certain hotels, restaurants, or airports with designated smoking areas. It also restricts the advertisement of tobacco products, requiring warnings to be displayed on packages and labels.

The act sets forth specific rules for the labeling of tobacco products, including warnings about nicotine and tar contents. It also provides for penalties for violations, including fines and confiscation of goods.

Key sections of the act include:

• Section 4: Prohibition of smoking in public places


• Section 5: Prohibition of advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products


• Section 6: Prohibition on sale of cigarette or other tobacco products to a person below eighteen years of age


• Section 7: Restrictions on trade and commerce in, and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products


• Section 8: Manner in which specified warning shall be made


• Section 9: Language in which the specified warning shall be expressed

The act extends to the whole of India and comes into force on a date appointed by the Central Government. It is considered expedient to enact this law for the protection of public health and to achieve improvement of public health.

State amendments have been made to the act, including provisions related to the prohibition of hookah bars in certain states. These amendments aim to further regulate the tobacco industry and protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.