What Countries Still Sell Menthol Cigarettes? EU and UK

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What Countries Still Sell Menthol Cigarettes?

Menthol cigarettes have been banned in the UK and across the EU since May 2020, as part of a wider public health effort to reduce smoking rates and prevent new smokers from picking up the habit. But globally, the laws vary widely. While some countries have followed suit, many still allow the sale of menthol-flavoured cigarettes, particularly where tobacco regulations are less restrictive.

If you’re wondering which countries still sell menthol cigarettes, here’s a breakdown of where they remain legal, where they’ve been banned, and why the issue is still hotly debated.

Countries Where Menthol Cigarettes Are Still Legal (as of 2024)

As of now, menthol cigarettes are still legal and widely available in many countries, including:

United States (varies by state)

Menthol cigarettes remain legal at the federal level, though some states and cities have introduced bans (e.g. California and Massachusetts). A nationwide ban has been proposed by the FDA but has not yet been enforced.

Canada (partially banned)

Canada banned menthol cigarettes nationwide in 2017, but some First Nations communities are exempt from the ban and still allow sales on reserves.

Japan

Menthol-flavoured cigarettes remain legal and popular, especially among younger adults and female smokers. Japan has strict smoking laws in public but has not banned flavoured tobacco.

Russia

Menthol cigarettes are still sold legally, with no current plans for a ban.

China

China, the world’s largest tobacco market, continues to sell menthol cigarettes without restriction.

Indonesia

Menthol cigarettes are legal and widely consumed, particularly among younger smokers.

Middle East (e.g. UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia)

Menthol-flavoured cigarettes are generally legal and available, though tobacco control laws vary from country to country.

South America (e.g. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)

Menthol cigarettes are still available in many parts of South America, although Brazil has previously proposed bans that have faced legal challenges.

Africa

Most African nations, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, still allow the sale of menthol cigarettes. Few have introduced flavour-specific bans.

Countries That Have Banned Menthol Cigarettes

Menthol cigarettes are banned in a growing number of countries, including:

  • United Kingdom

  • All EU member states (via the Tobacco Products Directive)

  • Canada (national ban since 2017, with some exemptions)

  • Australia (under strict plain packaging and tobacco flavouring laws)

  • New Zealand (as part of wider smoke-free targets)

  • Turkey (menthol ban included in broader flavour restrictions)

Many of these bans are part of a wider trend to phase out flavoured tobacco, seen as a gateway for new and younger smokers.

Why Are Menthol Cigarettes Banned?

Menthol doesn’t make cigarettes safer—it simply makes them easier to inhale, masking the harshness of tobacco smoke and making it more appealing to new or younger smokers. Studies have shown menthol can:

  • Increase nicotine dependence

  • Make it harder to quit

  • Encourage smoking uptake in younger people

Public health bodies argue that banning menthol is an important step toward reducing smoking-related illness and death.

Are Menthol Alternatives Still Sold?

Yes. Even in countries with menthol bans, there are still tobacco-free or non-combustible alternatives available, including:

  • Menthol-flavoured vape liquids

  • Nicotine pouches with mint or menthol flavour

  • Herbal smoking blends (though these aren’t necessarily safer)

  • Heat-not-burn devices (restrictions vary by country)

These products are sometimes used as loopholes or legal workarounds, but regulations are tightening.

Final Word

Menthol cigarettes are banned in the UK and across the EU, but they remain legal in many parts of the world, including the US (federally), Japan, China, and most of Africa and South America. While bans are slowly expanding, menthol-flavoured tobacco is still widely available in regions with fewer restrictions.

If you're travelling or trying to quit, it’s worth knowing what’s legal where you are—and what alternatives exist. As always, check local laws and health advice before buying or using tobacco products abroad.