Russia: Penza Region Bans Retail Vape Sales from Sept 2026
The Legislative Assembly of the Penza region in Russia has passed a law prohibiting the retail sale of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, effective September 1, 2026. The legislation, introduced on December 12, bans the sale of devices for consuming nicotine-containing products, nicotine-free liquids, tobacco-free heating mixtures, and any electronic devices used to produce aerosols or vapor. Exceptions are made only for registered medical devices and medicines.
Alongside the ban, deputies approved administrative penalties for violations. Officials face fines ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 rubles, while legal entities can be fined between 500,000 and 1 million rubles. Regional Governor Oleg Melnichenko urged support for the bill and the associated fines during the legislative session.
Vice-Governor Sergey Fedotov highlighted the growing popularity of vaping in Russia, criticizing its promotion as a safe alternative to smoking and citing scientific evidence of its harm. This regional move aligns with broader national discussions, where President Vladimir Putin has reportedly viewed a total vape ban favorably. The Russian government is also preparing amendments to allow regions to prohibit retail vape sales experimentally to assess regulatory effectiveness.
- News source: В Пензенской области приняли закон о запрете вейпов
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