Sri Lanka
Last reviewed: 2026-06
Travelling to Sri Lanka with snus or nicotine pouches? Snus is banned and nicotine pouches are unclear. Cigarettes are legal for adults aged 21+. Personal import of snus is prohibited. This page covers the legal status of snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco in Sri Lanka as of 2026-06, with official sources where available.
Snus
BannedLegal basis: NATA Act No. 27 of 2006; Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations 2016 (Extraordinary Gazette)
The 2016 regulations under the NATA Act prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of smokeless tobacco products. Snus falls within the smokeless-tobacco category and is therefore not legally sold or imported, though GSTHR notes limited snus-specific documentation.
Nicotine Pouches
UnclearNo specific law was found addressing tobacco-free nicotine pouches in Sri Lanka. Given the broad 2016 prohibition on smokeless tobacco products and the ban on novel nicotine products, their status is a grey area; GSTHR reports no specific regulations.
Cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 21+
Legal basis: National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act No. 27 of 2006
Cigarettes are legal to sell and use for adults aged 21+. The NATA Act regulates packaging, advertising and public smoking.
Vape / E-cigarettes
BannedLegal basis: NATA Act No. 27 of 2006; Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations 2016
E-cigarettes/vaping are banned. The 2016 regulations prohibit the manufacture, import (for both personal use and trade), sale and offer for sale of e-cigarettes; online purchases are also prohibited.
Heated Tobacco (IQOS)
BannedLegal basis: NATA Act No. 27 of 2006; Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations
Heated tobacco products are prohibited. Regulators interpret HTPs as smokeless tobacco products, so their manufacture, import, sale and offer for sale are banned.
Personal Import
Sources
- AGG
- AGGGSTHR — Sri Lanka country profileAccessed 2026-06
- AGGTobacco Control Laws — Sri Lanka legal summaryAccessed 2026-06
- AGGTobacco Control Laws — Sri Lanka e-cigarettes main policiesAccessed 2026-06
- AGG
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco change frequently. Always verify the current legal status with official government sources before travelling. NicotineAtlas assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.