The Tobacco Monopoly Law was promulgated in 1991 and amended in 2009, 2013 and 2015 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on April 24, 2015.

There are 43 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.The State shall according to law exercise monopoly administration over the production, sale, import and export of tobacco monopoly commodities, and practice a tobacco monopoly license system.

2.A unified purchase of leaf tobacco shall be effected by tobacco companies or the entities they authorize in accordance with the purchasing standards set by the State. No other organizations or individuals may effect any leaf tobacco purchase.

3.Whoever intends to establish an enterprise producing tobacco products shall obtain the approval of the tobacco monopoly administrative department under the State Council and a license for tobacco monopoly production enterprises.

4.Advertising for tobacco products shall be banned on broadcasting stations, television stations, or in newspapers or periodicals.