Belarus Considers Stricter Regulations on Smoking and Vaping

Belarus plans to introduce tougher regulations for the smoking and vaping industry, as outlined in a new draft law on the regulation of the tobacco market and nicotine-containing products. The proposed legislation, currently open for public discussion, also seeks to ban smoking on the doorsteps of multi-story buildings and nearby areas.

Mandatory Licensing for Production and Wholesale

To strengthen control over the circulation of nicotine-containing products and increase business responsibility for violations, the draft law introduces mandatory licensing for the production and wholesale trade of non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, e-cigarette liquids, electronic smoking systems, and tobacco consumption devices. Only companies registered in Belarus, excluding individual entrepreneurs, will be allowed to engage in these activities. Currently, 23 individual entrepreneurs and 61 companies are involved in such wholesale trade.

Ban on Online Sales and Import Restrictions

The proposed legislation prohibits the online sale of e-cigarettes and restricts their placement above cash registers in stores. Only companies with a license for wholesale trade will be allowed to import non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, e-cigarette liquids, electronic smoking systems, and tobacco consumption systems. This measure aims to ensure that imported smoking products meet specific quality requirements.

Individual entrepreneurs will be banned from producing, importing, and exporting not only traditional cigarettes but also vapes. However, both companies and individual entrepreneurs will be allowed to sell tobacco products in retail.

Potential Changes in Product Display

The draft law stipulates that open display of non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, e-cigarette liquids, electronic smoking systems, tobacco consumption systems, as well as samples and consumer packaging of such products, is not allowed.

Proposed Restrictions on Smoking Areas

Authorities also want to ban smoking on the doorsteps of residential multi-story buildings and the surrounding areas. This ban applies not only to conventional cigarettes but also to electronic and nicotine smoking systems.

The proposed legislation seeks to ban vaping and smoking tobacco products on the steps of multi-apartment buildings, dormitories, and adjacent territories. The draft law will now be sent to the lower chamber of parliament for consideration and adoption.

Previous Vaping Regulations

Belarus has already implemented several restrictions on electronic cigarettes, similar to those applied to traditional cigarettes. Vaping is prohibited in various locations, including:

Playgrounds
Cars (when transporting children under 14)
Elevators
Workplaces
Educational institutions
Public transport
Bus stops
Underground passages

Violating these regulations by smoking or vaping in prohibited areas carries a fine of 4 base units.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.