St. Petersburg Legislators Demand Stricter Vape Packaging Regulations, Call for Complete Ban
During a session of the St. Petersburg City Parliament on December 11, deputies discussed a proposal to completely ban vaping devices. The discussion arose while considering an agenda item to approve an appeal to the head of Rosstandart, Anton Shalaev, requesting stricter GOST requirements for vape packaging.
Colorful Packaging Accused of Luring Youth and Implying Safety
Deputy Anton Solovyov, the author of the appeal, highlighted that vape liquid manufacturers sell their products in bright and colorful packaging. Although they should not have an appearance that clearly imitates food products, beverage packaging, or children’s toys, manufacturers circumvent these GOST requirements. Solovyov argued that this creates an illusion of safety for the sold substances, provokes interest, and induces a desire to try them. He requested tighter regulations for the packaging of such products.
Deputies Express Strong Opposition to Vaping, Cite Alarming Statistics
During the discussion, several deputies voiced their concerns about the dangers of vaping:
- Konstantin Chebykin claimed that vapes are even worse than cigarettes, stating that their harm is obvious. He also pointed out that 80-90% of the products sold are counterfeit, and no one knows the composition of the liquids.
- Pavel Itkin reminded the parliament that his federal colleagues from the LDPR party have already proposed a bill to ban vapes in the State Duma and urged representatives of other factions to support its adoption. He emphasized that the harm from vapes is evident, and it is known that they instantly destroy the lungs.
- Alexander Malkevich reported encountering drug propaganda on product packaging and declared that manufacturers should be impaled for such actions.
Anton Solovyov cited statistics showing that over the past five years, the share of ESDN (electronic nicotine delivery systems) and tobacco heating device consumers among smokers alone has increased from 0.3% to 17.5%, with their absolute number growing 46-fold to over 4.5 million people. According to the Ministry of Health, 90% of consumers of these products are teenagers, with their number increasing 10-fold among youth since 2011. Solovyov attributed the popularity of vapes to their “invisibility” to parental control, as they do not produce a noticeable odor like traditional cigarettes.
Lone Voice of Caution Amidst Calls for Strict Measures
Only one deputy, Alexander Rassudov, took a neutral stance, noting that many people quitting traditional cigarettes switch to vapes. He pointed out that abruptly quitting smoking can be dangerous for some individuals.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Alexander Belsky believes that maximum efforts should be made to limit the attractiveness and accessibility of vapes, stating, “Any preventive measures, any prohibitive measures will be supported by our deputies.”
Government Response and Potential Solutions
Commenting on Anton Solovyov’s draft appeal, Anton Shalaev recalled that GOST R 58109-2018 “Liquids for electronic nicotine delivery systems” emerged in 2018 when no other regulations existed, and there was a sharp increase in the consumption of these products. He suggested a potential solution: “For example, it can be prescribed that the packaging should indicate the consequences of consuming vapes and tobacco heating systems, similar to cigarette packs.”
On September 2, President Vladimir Putin also addressed the issue during an open lesson in a Tuvan school. Responding to a student’s question, he expressed concern about the popularity of vapes among young people, stating, “The fact that you are worried about young people using these vapes, electronic cigarettes, is, of course, very right. There is reason to worry.”
A bill to completely ban vapes in Russia was introduced in the State Duma in May of this year. Although the government did not support the initiative, deputies intend to push for its adoption.
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