Kazakhstan Vape Ban Law: New 2024 Regulations Explained

Kazakhstan has implemented a new law banning the sale, distribution, and import of vapes, commonly referred to as “disposables,” which are popular among the country’s citizens. While using vapes will not result in penalties, any involvement in their sale, distribution, or importation now carries serious criminal consequences.

Violations and Penalties

Sale and Distribution

Amendments to the health care law have introduced changes to the Criminal Code, specifically Article 301-1, which addresses the “Circulation of smokeless tobacco products, electronic consumption systems (vapes), flavors, and liquids for them.” Under Part 1 of this article, penalties for selling and distributing vapes include:

Fines up to 200 MCI (738,400 tenge in 2024)
Community service for up to 200 hours
Arrest for up to 50 days

Import and Production

Part 2 outlines the consequences for the import and production of vapes:

Fines up to 2,000 MCI (7.3 million tenge in 2024)
Community service for up to 600 hours
Restriction or imprisonment for up to 2 years

Severe Penalties for Criminal Groups

For criminal groups repeatedly involved in these activities, or if the actions result in significant financial gain, the penalties are more severe:

Fines up to 5,000 MCI (18.4 million tenge in 2024)
Community service for up to 1,200 hours
Restriction or imprisonment for up to 5 years

Definition of “Distribution”

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has clarified that “distribution” encompasses the transfer of vapes to others in any form, irrespective of financial or other benefits.

“Distribution should be understood as the transfer of vapes to other persons. Distribution entails criminal liability for committing it in any form without taking into account material or other benefits,” stated the Ministry in response to an inquiry from Tengrinews.

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Kazakhstan Bans Vape Sales and Distribution

Penalties for Smoking Vapes

Smoking vapes in unauthorized locations will incur the same penalties as smoking cigarettes, which is a fine of 3 MCI (11,076 tenge in 2024).

Definitions and Regulations

The amendments also introduce precise definitions for vapes within the “Code on Public Health and the Healthcare System.” According to the code:

“Electronic consumption systems, vapes or electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic delivery systems for products that are not nicotine are devices (including electronic cigarettes) that, using electronic technology (battery), heat liquid (in cartridges, tanks and other containers) with or without nicotine, other chemicals, flavorings to form an aerosol inhaled by the user.”

Additional Terms

The following terms are also defined in the code:

Flavoring for electronic consumption systems
Electronic consumption systems and liquids for them
Smokeless tobacco products
Products that imitate tobacco products

On April 19, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law “On Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Healthcare Issues,” reinforcing the country’s stance on vaping regulations.

For more details on this legislation and its broader implications, stay informed with our continuous coverage.

Conclusion

The introduction of this strict vape ban in Kazakhstan marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to address the growing concerns surrounding the use of these devices, particularly among young people. By imposing severe penalties on the sale, distribution, import, and production of vapes, the authorities aim to curb their availability and discourage their use.

As the law takes effect, it is crucial for Kazakhstanis to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and understand the potential consequences of engaging in vape-related activities. The government’s commitment to enforcing these measures underscores the seriousness with which it views the issue of vape use and its potential impact on public health.

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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.