Russia Cuts Smoking Rate by More Than Half Since 2009

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Russia has seen a significant decline in the number of smokers since 2009, with the smoking rate among adults aged 15 and above dropping from 39.5% to 18.6%, according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. The minister credited the success to the implementation of anti-tobacco measures in the country. The announcement was made during the 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, “Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia,” which was held at the Russia National Center from April 21-23, bringing together representatives from various sectors to discuss issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.

News source: Russia’s smoking rate halved since 2009, says health ministry

Maldives Mandates New Tobacco Sales Licenses, Sets 3-Month Deadline

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The Maldives Ministry of Health announced Sunday (April.19) that applications are now open for mandatory new Tobacco Sales Licenses. Under a recent amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, all wholesale and retail sellers of tobacco products must secure this specific license from the ministry, in addition to existing trade licenses.

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Russia to Increase Prices of Cigarettes, Vapes, and Hookahs from September 2026

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The Russian government has approved plans by the Finance Ministry to raise the retail prices of cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs, as reported by the Kommersant newspaper. Starting from September 1, 2026, each tobacco retail facility in Russia will require a special license, which will cost up to 60,000 rubles per year, while a wholesale trade license will cost 800,000 rubles and will be valid for five years.

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Balearic Beaches Join Growing Network of Smoke-Free Zones in Spain

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The Balearic Islands have expanded their network of smoke-free beaches, with Muro near Alcudia in northeast Mallorca and Port de Sant Miquel in Ibiza joining the “Smoke-free beaches, healthy beaches” campaign. This brings the total number of smoke-free beaches in the Balearics to 50, as part of a growing trend across Spain to promote healthy habits and protect the environment.

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Maldives Implements Generational Tobacco Ban

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The Maldives cabinet has decided to implement a generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Under this ban, the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco will be prohibited for those falling under this age category. The ban is set to come into effect on November 1, 2025, following a six-month period allocated for enforcement authorities to revise existing regulations in line with the amended law.

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Nevada Considers Generational Ban on Cigarette Sales

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Nevada lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking proposal that would permanently ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after December 31, 2004, with the exception of certain casinos. The bill, Assembly Bill 279, is a sweeping effort to cut down on future combustible tobacco use and phase out the sale of the most harmful nicotine products.

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Iraqi Parliament to Vote on Comprehensive Anti-Tobacco Law

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The Iraqi parliament is set to vote on a comprehensive draft law aimed at combating smoking and imposing additional taxes on tobacco products next week. Majid Shingali, head of the legislature’s health and environment committee, told Rudaw on Wednesday that the final drafting stage of the law is underway, with plans to share the final draft with experts for legal and linguistic review before presenting it for discussion in next week’s session.

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Australia Bans Menthol Cigarettes, Introduces Sweeping Tobacco Reforms

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As of April 1, 2025, Australia has introduced a comprehensive set of new laws that significantly change the appearance, ingredients, and packaging of tobacco products. The Australian government passed this package of tobacco laws in late 2023, which includes several key measures:

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Russia Sees Record Low Number of Heavy Smokers, Survey Reveals

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According to a comprehensive survey of living conditions conducted by Rosstat, the number of heavy smokers who consume a pack of cigarettes a day in Russia fell to a record low of 40% in 2024, down from 46.7% two years earlier.

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Australia Introduces Health Warnings on Individual Cigarettes

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Australia has implemented mandatory changes to cigarettes as part of the government’s efforts to ramp up health messaging over tobacco products. As of April 01/2025, Australia has become the second country in the world, after Canada, to introduce health warnings on individual cigarettes.

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