Silent Law: Youth on alternatives, what's the future for public health in Tanzania?

By Veronica Mrema

Alternative tobacco products [smoke-free cigarettes - e-cigarettes], were recently discussed in depth at the TECHNOVATION [Smoke-Free] 2025 forum.

A group of scientific experts, journalists, and policymakers gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, to analyze these products, which are rapidly gaining market share in some countries.

Several nations have already established clear policies and regulatory frameworks, while others remain silent, awaiting further studies and broader national discussions.

This situation raises an important question for Tanzania: Is the existing legal and regulatory framework sufficient for a country in the East African region?

Especially as the nation witnesses a rising trend of young people embracing these alternative products in entertainment venues and local communities.

In Tanzania, the responsibility for regulating tobacco products was assigned to the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority [TMDA] in 2021.

However, the Tobacco Products (Regulation) Act of 2003 does not explicitly cover new products such as e-cigarettes and shisha, leaving a legal gap at a time when their use is expanding in the local market.

To shed light on this matter, M24 TANZANIA MEDIA conducted an exclusive interview with the Director General of TMDA, Dr. Adam Fimbo, who provides detailed insights on regulation, challenges, and the direction Tanzania is taking to protect public health against these products.

M24 TANZANIA: What is the exact role of TMDA in regulating tobacco products sold in the country, particularly in safeguarding their quality to protect public health in Tanzania?

TMDA: We were entrusted with the mandate to regulate tobacco products through a government notice in 2021 issued by the Minister of Health. Our primary responsibility is to regulate [tobacco] products.

This means listing all tobacco products manufactured in Tanzania, inspecting the market to ensure only listed products are available, and monitoring for any adverse effects that may arise from tobacco use.

Tobacco products contain about 92 harmful chemicals to the human body. These are the substances we monitor to ensure that tobacco products on the market do not exceed acceptable levels. For instance, most tobacco products contain nicotine, which is the addictive component.

Some manufacturers increase nicotine levels in these products, so our role is to ensure that the levels remain within set limits to avoid endangering consumers.

We also regulate smoking areas, such as bars and restaurants, ensuring they provide designated smoking zones so that non-smokers are not exposed to harmful second-hand smoke. This is part of our core mandate.

M24 TANZANIA: Can you clarify what laws or guidelines are currently used to regulate these products?

TMDA: Regulation of these products falls under the Tobacco Act of 2003, which was passed by Parliament. It outlines the entire framework for managing the tobacco sector.

There is another law that promotes tobacco farming, but that falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, which oversees cultivation and export.

The 2003 law applies only to manufactured tobacco products ready for consumption, such as cigarettes. However, it is outdated, and the government is currently reviewing it to align with modern realities.

M24 TANZANIA: Has TMDA received applications for registration or certification of alternative products such as e-cigarettes?

TMDA: Yes, we do receive applications. For conventional cigarettes, we have about 41 applications so far. However, regarding e-cigarettes and shisha, the law remains silent on how they should be regulated.

That’s why the government has directed a review of the Tobacco Act to clearly define how to regulate such products. For now, they exist in the market, but there is no explicit legal framework for them until the law is amended.

M24 TANZANIA: What is your view on the concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction, which is being discussed globally?

TMDA: The tobacco sector involves many stakeholders, and several ministries are engaged because it contributes significantly to government revenue worldwide.

As regulators, our position is that tobacco products should contain only substances that are generally accepted not to cause harm.

This is why we monitor levels of nicotine and other harmful substances to ensure compliance with international standards. Out of the 92 harmful chemicals, we ensure products are free from those that pose severe risks, while maintaining only those compounds that are scientifically proven to have minimal harmful effects.

M24 TANZANIA: What challenges do you face regarding counterfeit products smuggled into the country?

TMDA: Indeed, Tanzania has long borders, and we often intercept counterfeit tobacco products that harm the domestic market. We confiscate and destroy such products regularly in our zonal offices to prevent them from reaching consumers. This remains a major challenge.

M24 TANZANIA: How many cases of counterfeit cigarettes did you record in 2023 or 2024?

TMDA: There were about four incidents of counterfeit tobacco products smuggled into the market, and we took enforcement actions.

M24 TANZANIA: Are these mainly alternative cigarettes or the conventional ones?

TMDA: They are conventional cigarettes.

M24 TANZANIA: To what extent is TMDA currently capable of testing these alternative products?

TMDA: We have a dedicated laboratory in Dodoma for testing tobacco products and herbal medicines. We are in the process of acquiring more advanced machines, as we have already conducted research on which equipment is most suitable. These will strengthen our capacity for testing tobacco products.

M24 TANZANIA: How does TMDA collaborate with other institutions like TBS and the Ministry of Health in regulating these products, especially given the rise of new ones in the market?

TMDA: The law designates the Tanzania Bureau of Standards [TBS)] as the chief analyst responsible for laboratory testing of tobacco products.

TBS sets the national standards, so even when we conduct monitoring, the benchmarks must be approved by TBS.

We also work with the National Environmental Management Council [NEMC] during product destruction to ensure proper procedures are followed without harming the environment or public health.

M24 TANZANIA: Young people are increasingly turning to alternative products such as e-cigarettes and shisha. Does TMDA have any strategy to educate them about the health risks?

TMDA: Currently, the primary responsibility of public education lies with the Ministry of Health. Our focus is more on regulation.

The Ministry conducts awareness campaigns through seminars, TV, and radio programs to educate the public about these products and their risks.

M24 TANZANIA: From TMDA’s perspective, is this the right time for Tanzania to hold a broader national dialogue on alternative products, given their rising use while the law remains silent?

TMDA: The Ministry of Health’s primary mandate is to safeguard public health so that citizens remain healthy and productive for national development.

As part of the Ministry, we uphold this principle by ensuring harmful products do not reach consumers. That is our central responsibility.

M24 TANZANIA: I had the opportunity to attend the TECHNOVATION 2025 International Forum that discussed alternative tobacco products. What lessons can Tanzania draw from countries that have already allowed and regulated these products?

TMDA: For example, under the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority [DCEA] Act, Tanzania strictly prohibits cannabis and khat. Despite global debates, these remain illegal here due to their harmful health effects.

Similarly, alternative tobacco products are not explicitly addressed in the law. Until the law is amended, we can only regulate based on existing provisions.

M24 TANZANIA: Are you open to learning from other countries’ experiences in regulating these products?

TMDA: Certainly. Some countries have permitted them, while others haven’t. During the ongoing review of our law, we will examine the reasons behind both approaches and adopt the best regulatory model for Tanzania.

M24 TANZANIA: Finally, what is your message to the public and especially to journalists regarding raising awareness about the health risks of tobacco products?

TMDA: Journalists are crucial partners in raising awareness. As a health professional, I must emphasize: cigarettes cause severe health problems such as cancer and hypertension.

That’s why warning labels are required on cigarette packages. The Ministry of Health has placed strict regulations to ensure we protect the health of our people, and we count on journalists to amplify this awareness.