High customs tariffs are set to be imposed on tobacco products in Bahrain before the end of this year, it was revealed yesterday.

The move is in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) anti-smoking treaty Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which will be ratified soon by Bahrain, said the health ministry's deputy head of health education Dr Khadem Al Halwachi. He said that Bahrain would join the FCTC before the end of the year.
Only Kuwait and Oman have so far signed the FCTC and measures leading up to its ratification and relevant legislation will be discussed at the GCC tobacco control committee meeting to be held in Bahrain on Sunday.
Dr Halwachi, who is also the secretary at the ministry's anti-smoking committee, said the treaty imposes high customs duties on tobacco products and advocates banning smoking in malls and public places. He said in keeping with the requirements, some of Bahrain's laws on smoking may also be amended. (pi)