Putin Signs New Laws Strengthening Tobacco Control

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed two significant laws aimed at strengthening tobacco control and protecting minors from nicotine products. These legislative changes mark a substantial shift in Russia’s approach to tobacco regulation and youth protection.

Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Products

The first law targets the circulation of counterfeit tobacco products with unregistered marking codes. The Russian government has observed that the total number of issued marking codes for remaining products exceeds the annual volume of the tobacco market, indicating potential illegal activity.

The legislation prohibits the sale and distribution of:

Unmarked tobacco products from June 30, 2020, that received marking before December 1, 2020
Products unmarked as of June 30, 2021, and marked after July 1, 2021
Items unmarked as of March 1, 2022, and marked before October 1, 2023
Products unmarked as of December 15, 2022, and marked before December 1, 2023

Criminal Penalties for Selling Vapes to Minors

The second law introduces criminal liability for repeated sales of tobacco, vaping products, and nicotine-containing items to minors. Violations will result in:

Fines ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 rubles
Alternative penalties based on 3-6 months of the offender’s salary
Potential correctional labor for up to one year
Possible prohibition from holding certain positions for up to three years

The law encompasses the sale of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, hookah equipment, and vaping devices to underage individuals.

These new regulations will take effect from March 1, 2025, with some provisions following different implementation timelines.

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Matthew Ma

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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.