Kazakhstan’s Vape Ban Backfiring, Pushing Users to Black Market
Official statistics in Kazakhstan may not reflect the reality of nicotine consumption following a nationwide ban on the sale of vapes, according to independent consumer research highlighted by inbusiness.kz. While the government’s ban was intended to curb use, a recent user poll reveals it has largely failed to stop nicotine consumption, instead pushing it into an unregulated black market.
The survey of vape users showed that only 5% quit nicotine after the ban. The majority (52%) continue to use e-cigarettes sourced illegally, while 28% switched to heated tobacco products, and 10% reverted to smoking traditional cigarettes. Despite the official prohibition, e-cigarettes reportedly still make up 10% of the weekly nicotine consumption structure.
Project coordinator Azat Mukhamediev points to a failure in enforcement, stating the ban only affects legal points of sale while a thriving black market operates freely through messenger apps without police control. He warns this fosters corruption and undermines legal culture. The situation contrasts with international examples where regulation, not prohibition, has been effective. Countries like the UK, Sweden, and New Zealand have legalized and regulated vapes, leading to significant reductions in smoking rates to as low as 5-7%.
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