The Russian State Duma has approved a bill in its first reading that would allow the blocking of websites featuring cigarette and vape advertisements without the need for court proceedings.
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As the Russian State Duma prepares to consider a bill that would completely ban electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), business representatives and industry experts are voicing their opposition. They argue that a total ban would not effectively address the issues at hand and would instead create new risks and threats to the market.
Read moreState Duma Deputy Igor Antropenko from the United Russia party has proposed amendments to a draft law aimed at blocking websites that sell tobacco products without court orders. The amendments would expand the law’s scope to include restrictions on information about the self-manufacturing of vaping devices and other tobacco consumption products.
Read moreAs of June 1, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Transport will prohibit smoking while operating a vehicle. The new regulations will equate cigarettes and vapes with smartphones, which are already banned from use while driving.
Violators will face fines of 1,500 rubles, with offenders being identified by cameras installed on roads. The amendments aim to reduce distractions caused by holding and lighting cigarettes while driving.
The changes will be introduced to both the Traffic Rules and the Code of Administrative Offenses to enforce the smoking ban behind the wheel.
Russia plans to reduce per capita tobacco product consumption by 14.4% by 2030 as part of the federal project “Health for Everyone,” while also reducing alcohol consumption by 8.5%, according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko’s statement in the State Duma.
Read moreSmoking remains one of the most pressing public health issues in Russia and around the world. As a leading risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and cancer, smoking demands our attention and action.
Read moreBiyesultan Khamzaev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, has called for a complete ban on hookahs in Russia. In an interview with Duma TV, Khamzaev expressed grave concerns about the potential health risks associated with these popular smoking devices.
Read moreThe State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, may consider a bill banning vapes during its spring session, according to Artem Metelev, head of the Duma Committee on Youth Policy. Metelev shared this information in a statement to TASS, a Russian news agency.
Read moreThe State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, has rejected a bill that proposed banning smoking at public transport stops and near building entrances during a plenary session, according to TASS news agency.
Read moreRussian President Vladimir Putin enacted legislation on February 3 significantly increasing fines for selling tobacco, vapes, and hookahs to minors. The updated penalties now reach 2 million rubles for businesses, with stricter enforcement targeting nicotine product accessibility among youth. Published on Russia’s official legal portal, the law revises Article 14.53 of the Administrative Offenses Code to address rising teen vaping rates.
Revised Penalty Structure for Nicotine Sales
The law introduces tiered fines based on offender categories:
- Individuals: 200,000–300,000 rubles
- Officials: 500,000–700,000 rubles
- Businesses: 1.5–2 million rubles
Additional penalties apply for violating retail rules:
- Individuals: 10,000–20,000 rubles
- Officials: 30,000–50,000 rubles
- Businesses: 90,000–120,000 rubles
Repeat offenses incur extra fines of 10,000–30,000 rubles. The regulations cover all nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, hookahs, and related consumables.
Health Ministry Backs Crackdown Amid Teen Vaping Surge
The Russian Ministry of Health endorsed the stricter measures, citing a 30% increase in adolescent vaping since 2021. Deputy Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov stated: “Vapes have become a gateway to nicotine addiction for minors. This law aligns with our broader anti-smoking strategy.”
The legislation follows a January 21 State Duma vote approving the bill in its final reading. Health advocates argue lax enforcement previously allowed retailers to bypass age verification protocols, enabling widespread underage access.
Industry Reactions and Enforcement Challenges
Small business associations express concerns over compliance costs. Ivan Petrov, head of the Moscow Retail Alliance, notes: “Many shops lack automated ID scanners. Fines this steep could bankrupt smaller vendors.”
Meanwhile, public health experts emphasize enforcement consistency. Dr. Elena Smirnova, a pediatric pulmonologist, warns: “Without nationwide inspections and vendor training, the law risks becoming symbolic.”
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