Loose Cigarette Sales Banned: What the New Tobacco Law Means for Traders

South Africa is set to enforce stricter tobacco control measures under the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Among the key changes is the ban on the sale of loose cigarettes — commonly known as “entjies” — a practice widespread in informal trading sectors. This article explains what the ban means for traders and consumers, the rationale behind it, and the broader implications for the tobacco industry in South Africa.

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What Is the Ban on Loose Cigarette Sales?

Currently, many South African smokers purchase single cigarettes rather than whole packs, especially in townships and informal settlements where affordability is a major concern. The new law explicitly prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks, requiring all tobacco products to be sold in standardised, sealed packaging.

This move aligns South Africa’s tobacco control legislation with World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) recommendations, which discourage the sale of single cigarettes to reduce accessibility, especially among minors.

Why Ban Loose Cigarette Sales?

The sale of single cigarettes lowers the price barrier, making tobacco products more affordable and accessible to youth and low-income individuals. This contributes to higher smoking initiation rates and sustained tobacco use.

By banning loose cigarette sales, the government aims to:

• Reduce youth access to tobacco products.
• Encourage smokers to quit or reduce consumption by increasing the upfront cost.
• Limit informal and illicit tobacco trade, which often circumvents health warnings and taxes.

Impact on Traders

The ban poses significant challenges for informal traders and small retailers who rely heavily on selling single cigarettes. Many township taverns and spaza shops have traditionally sold entjies as a staple product due to consumer demand and economic realities.

Traders will need to adapt by:

• Stocking only standardised cigarette packs.
• Complying with new packaging and advertising restrictions.
• Potentially losing customers who cannot afford full packs.

The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association and other industry bodies have expressed concerns about the economic impact on small businesses, especially in township areas where informal sales dominate.

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Broader Tobacco Control Measures

The ban on loose cigarette sales is part of a wider package of reforms, including:

• Prohibiting smoking indoors and in certain public spaces.
• Banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
• Regulating e-cigarettes and vaping products more strictly.
• Standardising packaging with prominent health warnings.

These measures aim to modernise South Africa’s tobacco laws and improve public health outcomes.

Enforcement and Compliance

The Department of Health will oversee enforcement, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and potential jail time for traders selling loose cigarettes or violating smoking restrictions. Businesses must prepare for inspections and ensure full compliance to avoid sanctions.

What This Means for Consumers

Consumers accustomed to buying single cigarettes will need to purchase full packs, which may increase their immediate expenditure. This could encourage some smokers to reduce consumption or quit altogether. However, there is concern that illicit trade might increase if demand for loose cigarettes persists.

The Ban

The ban on loose cigarette sales represents a significant shift in South Africa’s tobacco control landscape. While it supports public health goals by reducing accessibility and consumption, it also challenges informal traders who must adapt to new regulations. Effective enforcement coupled with public education will be critical to the law’s success in reducing tobacco-related harm.