Sales of tobacco

The Dutch government discourages smoking. Therefore the Dutch Tobacco Act (Tabakswet) contains rules designed to reduce the sale of tobacco products:

• You may only sell tobacco products to people aged 16 and older. That rule must be displayed clearly so that everyone can see it.
• You may not sell tobacco products to people who have reached the age of 16, but who want to give or sell these products on to younger people.
• You must ask for proof of ID to establish the person's age. This is not obligatory for those who are obviously older than 16.
• Any form of advertising is prohibited. Tobacco advertising is only permitted subject to certain terms and conditions, for example, in tobacconists or tobacco points of sale.
• You may not give away tobacco products free of charge.
• You may not sell tobacco products via a tobacco vending machine, unless the vending machine:
  • Is always locked;
  • Can only be unlocked in order to make a sales transaction for or by those who are 16 or older;
  • Is indoors and can be seen by the owner or staff.

Online tobacco sales

The online sale of tobacco is permitted. You can publish an overview of tobacco products (with or without logos) and a price list on your website, but you must not recommend any specific product. When delivering tobacco products you are obliged to verify the recipient's age.