The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Low- and middle-income countries like Papua New Guinea (PNG) have the highest burden of illness and death from tobacco use because they lack political commitment, are plagued with inadequate resources and funding, and comply poorly with tobacco laws and regulations. These factors contribute to the high prevalence of tobacco smoking in these countries where 80% of the 1.1 billion smokers world-wide live. In PNG the tobacco epidemic has had detrimental effects on the health and economy of its people. Even though tobacco laws were enacted over 30 years ago and regulatory frameworks have been officially adopted, yet it suffices to say, given the present scenario, that tobacco control in PNG remains poor and is ineffective. The government, the health ministry and other relevant stakeholders must renew their commitment to control the growing tobacco epidemic. It is now time to act.