Kuwait has introduced an extensive set of new regulations governing the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under the age of 21. These rules were approved by Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2026, issued by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadi.
According to local Kuwaiti media, the new norms include a ban on selling tobacco and nicotine products in grocery stores to anyone who has not reached the age of 21. These measures are being taken as part of efforts to strengthen public health and reduce the harm associated with the use of these products—both in terms of health and in economic and social aspects.
The new provisions will come into effect on January 1, 2027. The ban covers all types of tobacco and nicotine goods, as well as nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and devices, nicotine liquids and cartridges, nicotine pouches, as well as oral and smokeless tobacco products, and any newly developed goods.
The sale, display, and distribution of these products will be prohibited in kindergartens, nurseries, schools, institutes, universities, colleges, and other public and private educational institutions. Furthermore, the ban extends to medical facilities, both public and private, ministries and institutions, sports clubs, wellness centers, youth centers, theaters, cinemas, and facilities for children and youth.
Sales will also be banned in grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, at exhibitions, entertainment events, and in vending machines. Local Kuwaiti media indicates that the rules also prohibit sales through websites, applications, social media platforms, and delivery services, as well as at points of sale located within a 200-meter radius of educational institutions.
In cooperative societies and parallel markets, products may only be sold in specially designated areas under supervision, and they cannot be displayed in a way that allows customers direct access without staff assistance. The decision also prohibits the import, manufacture, distribution, sale, or storage of goods of unknown origin or those that do not meet approved specifications.
It is forbidden to promote products designed, packaged, or advertised to attract the attention of children and youth, as well as those that exceed approved limits for nicotine content, ingredients, or emissions. All goods must undergo registration and approval by the Ministry of Health; manufacturers and suppliers are required to provide information, including composition, nicotine concentration, country of origin, and batch data.
According to local sources, health warnings, including text and images, must occupy at least 50% of the main packaging area. Additionally, the decision prohibits advertising, promotion, sponsorship, free samples, gifts, and discounts on the specified products. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be subject to the same restrictions as smoking in public and enclosed places where it is prohibited.
The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with relevant authorities, will oversee, monitor, and ensure compliance with the rules, including documenting violations.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified serious gaps in sanitary conditions and the availability of minimally necessary amenities at 458 out of 512 railway stations. Among the issues found was the detection of E. coli bacteria in water coolers at eight stations.
The CAG report, concerning 'passenger amenities and sanitation at suburban railway stations,' which was presented to Parliament last week, indicated that bacteriological analysis of drinking water had not been conducted at 59 stations across six zones.
The report stated that water samples from coolers tested positive for E. coli at two stations (Coimbatore and Pallakad Junctions) on the Southern Railway, one station (Hyderabad) on the South Central Railway, four stations (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, and Lonavala) on the Central Railway, and one station (Madhupur) on the Eastern Railway.
Furthermore, the results of drinking water sample analyses collected from taps at 49 stations across eight zones during 2022–23 and at 56 stations across nine zones during 2023–24 showed the presence of coliform bacteria.
Following the publication of the CAG report, the Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior officials held a meeting to review the situation. In a statement, the Ministry of Railways announced plans to implement a new 'Tank to Tap' water filtration system in 20,000 locations. The replacement of water reservoirs and the implementation of regular testing of water both at the source and at the outlet were also announced.
Centralized monitoring and accountability will be established, and cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks are scheduled.
The CAG also noted that 458 out of 512 sampled stations lacked minimally required amenities. Stations such as CSMT, Howrah, Sealdah, New Delhi, and Mumbai Central were noted to be lacking seating areas, sanitary facilities, bins, and electronic train information displays, among others.
An analysis of the Passenger Amenities Management System revealed non-compliance with established standards, including a shortage of toilets at 201 stations, bin placements at 403 stations, and water taps at 2035 stations.
