Ukraine Enforces Vape Licensing Rules and Bans Sales of Raw Nicotine Kits

The State Tax Service in the Cherkasy region has warned retailers regarding strict commercial mandates under Law of Ukraine No. 3817-IX. The statute governs state regulation over the production and circulation of alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarette liquids, and fuel, establishing clear operational requirements for retail businesses.

Mandatory Licensing for Vape and Tobacco Retailers

Under Article 23 of the law, commercial entities can only engage in retail sales if they hold an active state permit. Retailers must secure at least one of two specific authorizations depending on their inventory:

A license for the right to retail tobacco products.
A license for the right to retail liquids used in electronic cigarettes.

Operating without the corresponding license constitutes a direct violation of state trade regulations and exposes merchants to tax enforcement audits.

Read more: Ukraine Postpones Digital e-Excise Rollout to July 2027

Outright Ban on Raw Materials and DIY Mixing Kits

The updated legal framework eliminates the market for unregulated mixing components. Article 23 explicitly bans the retail sale and free distribution of raw materials across Ukraine. This restriction applies directly to:

Raw Tobacco: Any unmanufactured tobacco materials distributed at retail.
Liquid Precursors: Raw chemical components intended for mixing e-cigarette liquids.
Nicotine Extracts: Toxic alkaloids extracted from tobacco or produced through chemical synthesis (classified under UKT ZED code 2939).

The law prohibits these substances whether offered individually or packaged together in DIY kits, closing loopholes previously used by vendors to bypass excise taxes on finished e-liquids.

Fines and Regulatory Penalties

Penalties for non-compliance are codified under Article 73 of Law No. 3817-IX, as amended by Law No. 4536-IX. Businesses that sell or distribute prohibited raw materials or nicotine kits face direct financial penalties:

A fine equal to 200% of the value of the sold or freely distributed goods.
A statutory minimum fine of three times the national minimum wage established by law on January 1 of the reporting tax year.

Tax authorities continue to conduct active retail checks to enforce licensing requirements and stop the unauthorized distribution of DIY vaping ingredients across the country.

Read more:
Ukraine Tightens Tobacco Controls and Considers Total Minor Vape Ban

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

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.