Russia to License All Vape and Cigarette Sales from 2026
The Russian government has approved a bill that will require a license for the sale of all cigarettes and vaping products, with the new regulations set to take effect on March 1, 2026. The move aims to increase market transparency and reduce consumption among teenagers.
According to Dmitry Grigorenko, the government’s Chief of Staff, the licensing requirements are modeled after those already in place for the alcohol industry. The proposed law will mandate licenses for wholesale, stationary retail, and mobile/delivery retail sales. A key enforcement measure is the potential for license revocation for violations, such as selling to minors. The government has also proposed introducing criminal liability for illegal trade involving large quantities.
Further potential requirements, which may be added during parliamentary readings in the State Duma, include mandatory registration in the “Chestny Znak” (Honest Mark) digital tracking system and adherence to all existing public health laws. The bill will now be submitted to the State Duma for consideration.
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