The Social Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao issued an
advisory today to the Parliament of Curaçao regarding a legislative proposal aimed at significantly tightening
the island’s tobacco regulations. Submitted by the MFK parliamentary faction, the proposal seeks to address
growing public health concerns, particularly the increasing appeal of vaping and smokeless tobacco products to young people. Proponents argue that the current Tobacco Use Restriction Ordinance (P.B. 1996, no. 55, as amended) is outdated and inadequate for addressing these modern challenges.
Key measures in the proposal include raising the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products and
electronic cigarettes to 18, mandating health warnings on packaging in Papiamentu, Dutch, and English, and
extending the existing smoking ban to include electronic cigarettes, both with and without nicotine. Restrictions on advertising and promotional activities would also be tightened, especially in spaces frequented by minors, such as schools and sports facilities.
Proponents note that the proposal draws on recommendations from the World Health Organization’s
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). While Curaçao is not a formal party to the FCTC, the
initiative seeks to align local regulations with its guidelines to better safeguard public health. The proposal also addresses emerging trends, such as heated tobacco systems and vapes, which are not regulated under the current law.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal outlines its financial and operational feasibility. It asserts that enforcement and public education campaigns could be supported with existing resources, while fines for violations could generate additional revenue.
The SER evaluated the proposal on technical and practical grounds.
The proposal comes amid a growing global push for stricter tobacco control measures, driven by concerns over the aggressive marketing of new tobacco products targeting younger demographics. With this legislative effort, Curaçao aims to address local health challenges while signaling its commitment to prioritizing public health on the international stage. The Parliament’s deliberations on this proposal will determine the future of tobacco control in Curaçao and
could mark a pivotal moment in the island’s public health policy.
