Russia Civic Chamber Opposes Generational Tobacco Ban

A “generational ban” on tobacco sales is unlikely to solve smoking issues in Russia and may violate human rights, according to the Civic Chamber. Vladislav Grib argues that such measures create inequality among citizens based on birth year and will not prevent access to tobacco, as older individuals could simply purchase it for younger ones.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ineffective Strategy: Bans based on birth year won’t stop consumption; secondary supply channels will emerge.
  • Rights Violation: Creating two classes of citizens based on age is seen as discriminatory.
  • Global Context: Similar bans have faced challenges or rejection in the UK, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
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Pakistan Proposes Ban on Vapes for Under-18s & Near Schools

a new bill is set to be tabled in the Pakistani Senate seeking to strictly regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in Islamabad. The proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, prohibit sales near educational institutions, and restrict usage in public spaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • Age Restriction: Sales to individuals under 18 will be illegal.
  • School Buffer Zone: No vape sales within 50 meters of schools or colleges.
  • Public Ban: Vaping prohibited in public transport, parks, and government offices.
  • Advertising Ban: Complete ban on ads across TV, social media, and billboards.
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Russia Proposes Higher Fines for Public Smoking & Vaping

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A new proposal in Russia seeks to significantly increase administrative fines for smoking and vaping in public places. The initiative, led by the “Healthy Fatherland” movement, aims to expand prohibited zones to include parks and embankments and introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders to better protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Higher Fines: Proposal to raise penalties for smoking/vaping in public.
  • Expanded Bans: New restrictions suggested for parks, squares, and waterfronts.
  • Repeat Offenses: Stricter liability for multiple violations within a year.
  • Enhanced Control: Calls for tighter enforcement by police and Rospotrebnadzor.
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Will Malaysia Ban Open Pod Vape Systems in 2026?

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is aiming to implement a ban on open pod vape systems within this year. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed that enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) is a priority to curb the abuse of synthetic drugs and protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Targeted Ban: The initial focus is on banning the sale and use of open pod systems.
  • Health Rationale: The move aims to prevent NCDs and conditions like “popcorn lung.”
  • Drug Abuse Concerns: Open systems are being targeted due to their misuse with synthetic drugs.
  • Cabinet Review: The proposal will be presented to the Cabinet soon.
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Croatia Raises Tobacco & Vape Taxes: Prices Up in New Year

Croatia has implemented new excise duties on tobacco and vaping products effective from the start of the new year, leading to price increases of up to 20 cents per pack of cigarettes. The government aims to generate nearly €130 million in additional revenue and discourage smoking, though concerns about the black market persist.

Key Takeaways:

  • Price Hike: Cigarettes, tobacco, and e-liquids are now more expensive.
  • Revenue Goal: The state expects ~€130 million in extra income.
  • Health Focus: Measures aim to curb smoking, which kills ~14,000 annually in Croatia.
  • Youth Concern: High e-cigarette use among teens (33% of 15-16 year-olds) is a key issue.
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How Many Pakistanis Use Vapes? 1.2 Million Users Revealed

Over 1.2 million Pakistanis are estimated to use vaping devices, according to a 2026 Gallup Pakistan survey. Despite this usage, general public awareness remains low, with only 17% of respondents familiar with e-cigarettes. The study identifies youth as the most affected demographic, driven largely by fashion trends and experimentation.

Key Takeaways:

  • User Base: 1.2 million+ active vapers estimated nationwide.
  • Low Awareness: Only 17% of the population has heard of vaping.
  • Youth Impact: 45% of respondents see youth as the primary group affected.
  • Key Drivers: Fashion (41%) and experimentation (15%) fuel youth uptake.
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Russia Raises Tobacco Excise Taxes for 2026: Prices Set to Rise

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Starting in 2026, Russia will significantly increase excise taxes on tobacco products, leading to higher prices for consumers. The tax on cigarettes will rise by over 11%, while other tobacco products will see an increase of around 7%. This move aims to boost federal budget revenue to over 1 trillion rubles and potentially reduce smoking rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cigarette Tax Hike: Excise rates for cigarettes will increase by 11.3%.
  • Heated Tobacco & Vapes: Taxes on heated tobacco and e-liquids will also rise.
  • Budget Boost: Expected revenue from tobacco excise taxes is projected to exceed 1 trillion rubles in 2026.
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Perak Vape Sales Ban: Traders Given Until October to Comply

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The Perak state government has set a deadline of October 2025 for all electronic cigarette and vape traders to cease operations. This grace period allows businesses with valid licenses to clear existing stock before full enforcement of the sales ban begins. Legal action will be taken against violators after this transitional phase.

Key Takeaways:

  • October Deadline: Traders must stop sales by October 2025.
  • Grace Period: Allows clearing of stock for valid license holders.
  • Strict Enforcement: Legal action awaits those violating the ban post-deadline.
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How Has Russia’s Battle Against Smoking Evolved Into a Vape Ban?

Russia’s anti-smoking strategy has undergone a radical transformation over the last 25 years, evolving from basic restrictions on cigarette sales in the early 2000s to implementing one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco regimes in the 2010s. Currently, the focus has shifted decisively towards electronic nicotine delivery systems, culminating in a legislative push in late 2025 for a complete ban on the sale of all vaping products. This trajectory reflects a persistent government effort to combat high mortality rates and youth addiction by adapting regulations to cover emerging nicotine technologies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Early Struggle: The 2000s began with high smoking rates and initial laws banning sales to minors.
  • Comprehensive Reform: The 2013 law (No. 15-FZ) introduced sweeping bans on public smoking and advertising.
  • Vape Crackdown: Recent years unified vape and tobacco laws, banning sales to minors and online trade.
  • Total Prohibition: 2025 amendments propose a complete ban on vape sales to eliminate “liquid poison.”
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Russia Plans Licensing for Tobacco & Vape Shops by 2026

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Russia is moving towards a mandatory licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, expected to be phased in starting March 1, 2026. The State Duma has already passed the bill in the first reading, aiming to combat counterfeit products and increase regional budget revenues through license fees and fines.

Key Takeaways:

  • Better Oversight: Licensing provides a tool to monitor over 350,000 retail points.
  • Regional Benefits: Regions will gain revenue from license fees and have the power to suspend licenses.
  • Scope: Covers purchase, storage, supply, and retail sale of tobacco and nicotine raw materials.
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