Kazakhstan Enforces E-Cigarette Ban, Man Convicted for Illegal Sales

The press service of the Astana prosecutor’s office has reported that a local resident has been sentenced to a restriction of freedom for selling vaping liquids worth 64 million tenge ($120,000 USD). The man had organized a workshop to produce nicotine-containing liquids, which he then sold in several stores.

According to the case materials, the total amount of the illegally sold products exceeded 64 million tenge. For engaging in unlawful entrepreneurship, the man has been sentenced to one year of restricted freedom with 100 hours of forced labor throughout the entire period.

The prosecutor’s office initiated a civil lawsuit to recover the full amount of the illegally obtained income from the guilty party to the state revenue. The prosecutor’s claim has been satisfied by the court.

Kazakhstan Tightens E-Cigarette Regulations

This conviction comes in the wake of Kazakhstan’s president signing a bill banning the sale of electronic cigarettes. The import and sale of e-cigarettes have been categorized as criminal offenses under the new legislation.

Selling e-cigarettes can now lead to up to 50 days of imprisonment, while importing and distributing these products may result in up to two years of imprisonment. If committed by a criminal group on a large scale or repeatedly, such offenses can lead to a maximum of five years in prison.

As Kazakhstan continues to enforce its strict stance against e-cigarettes, individuals and businesses must remain vigilant to avoid legal repercussions in the rapidly changing regulatory landscape of the vaping industry.

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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.