On April 26, the Russia Federation Council will be discussing new legislation aimed at protecting minors from the dangers of vaping. In this article, we will explore the details of the proposed laws, their implications, and the potential impact on the vaping industry and public health.

Background: The Growing Concern Over Vape Use Among Minors

As vaping gains popularity worldwide, concerns have risen regarding its impact on minors. With enticing flavors and easy access, vaping has become increasingly attractive to young people. As a result, governments worldwide are implementing measures to protect minors from the potential health risks associated with vaping.

1st Law: Restricting Vape Sales and Marketing to Minors

Ban on Flavored Nicotine Liquids and Additives

The first law under consideration aims to curb the appeal of vaping to minors by banning flavored nicotine liquids and additives that enhance nicotine dependence. This measure is expected to make vaping less attractive to young people, who are often drawn to the variety of flavors available.

Minimum Price for Nicotine-Containing Products

To further discourage minors from purchasing vape products, a minimum price will be set for nicotine-containing products. This measure is intended to make these products less accessible to young people with limited financial resources.

Limiting Vape Sales Channels

The law will also restrict the venues through which vapes can be sold. Sales at fairs, exhibitions, through mobile or door-to-door trade, and via vending machines will be prohibited. Vapes can only be sold in retail stores to ensure better regulation and age verification.

Prohibition of Open Display and Advertising

To limit children’s exposure to vape products and their marketing, open displays and demonstrations in retail stores will be banned. Additionally, discounts on vapes during sales will be prohibited, and advertising that showcases nicotine consumption using vapes will be banned as well.

2nd Law: Increased Fines for Selling to Minors

The second law aims to hold individuals and businesses accountable for selling cigarettes, hookahs, vapes, and other tobacco or nicotine-containing products to minors. Fines for citizens will range from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles, while fines for officials will be from 150,000 to 300,000 rubles, and fines for legal entities will be from 400,000 to 600,000 rubles.

Stricter Penalties for Involving Children in Tobacco Consumption

Penalties for involving children in tobacco consumption will also be increased, with fines for citizens ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles. If a child’s parent or guardian commits the offense, they can face fines from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles.

Enforcement and Oversight

The federal executive authority responsible for control and supervision in the field of healthcare will be entrusted with the authority to consider cases of administrative offenses related to the proposed laws.

Read More:  Russia Vaping Bans 2023

Conclusion

The Federation Council’s consideration of these new laws on April 26 signifies the growing concern for protecting minors from the dangers of vaping. By limiting access, increasing penalties, and curbing advertising, these measures aim to create a safer environment for young people while still allowing responsible adults to access vape products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main goals of the proposed laws?
   The proposed laws aim to protect minors from the potential health risks associated with vaping by restricting access, curbing marketing, and increasing penalties for those who sell vape products to minors.
2. How will flavored nicotine liquids and additives be regulated?
   The first law bans the circulation of flavored nicotine liquids and additives that enhance nicotine dependence to make vaping less appealing to minors.
3. What venues will be prohibited from selling vapes?
   Vape sales will be restricted at fairs, exhibitions, through mobile or door-to-door trade, and via vending machines. Retail stores will be the only authorized outlets for selling vapes.
4. What measures will be taken to limit advertising and exposure to vape products?
   Open displays and demonstrations of vape products in retail stores will be banned. Additionally, discounts on vapes during sales will be prohibited, and advertising that showcases nicotine consumption using vapes will be banned.
5. How will the proposed laws be enforced?
   Enforcement and oversight will fall under the jurisdiction of the federal executive authority responsible for control and supervision in the field of healthcare. They will handle cases of administrative offenses related to the proposed laws.