Governor Calls Vapes “Weapon of Genocide,” Seeks Regional Authority
Authorities in Russia’s Vologda Oblast intend to implement a complete ban on the sale of vapes and other smoking mixtures, according to Governor Georgy Filimonov. In an interview with RBC agency, Filimonov strongly condemned these products, calling them and alcohol “weapons of genocide against people,” particularly the young.
Read moreRussian Republic Aligns Local Law with Federal Ban on Selling Smoking Mixtures to Minors
The Republic of Buryatia in Russia has strengthened its regulations against youth vaping, aligning local laws with federal standards to prohibit the retail sale of all types of smoking products – including tobacco-free and nicotine-free mixtures – to minors. This legislative move comes amidst growing public and official alarm over the prevalence and perceived dangers of vaping among schoolchildren.
Read moreNew Bill Aims to Regulate E-commerce, Equalize Rules with Traditional Trade
Russia is developing comprehensive legislation to regulate its rapidly growing “platform economy,” including online marketplaces, with plans for adoption by the end of 2025. According to Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, the bill aims to establish clear rules for digital platforms and level the playing field between electronic and traditional commerce.
Read moreRussia 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
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.
Read moreBryansk Regional Duma Deputy Mikhail Ivanov has called for a comprehensive ban on vaping-related content across social media platforms in Russia. In an appeal to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Ivanov highlighted concerns over the uncontrolled promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) online and its impact on youth.
Read moreThe Russian government has approved a comprehensive licensing system for tobacco product sales, including vapes and hookahs. Set to launch in fall 2026, this initiative requires all tobacco retailers to obtain special permits from Rosalkogoltobakregulirovanie.
This move aims to tighten control over tobacco sales, potentially impacting the industry landscape and consumer access to these products.
The Russian government has once again declined to support a bill that would prohibit the sale of vapes and e-liquids in the country. The proposed legislation aimed to introduce a nationwide ban on the wholesale and retail trade of nicotine or its derivatives, including nicotine salts, as well as specialized e-liquids and devices for their consumption.
Read moreAccording 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.
The survey, which covers 60,000 households from various groups and strata of the population across all regions of Russia, found that one in four residents over the age of 15 smokes (25.5%), a slight decrease from 26.1% in 2022. Of these, 17.8% smoke daily, while 7.7% smoke occasionally. The majority of the population (64.9%) have never smoked, and 9.5% have successfully quit the habit.
Among smokers, 4.4% consume more than one pack of cigarettes a day, while 35.6% smoke up to one pack. These figures have decreased from 4.6% and 42.1% respectively, compared to two years ago. The proportion of those who smoke five to ten cigarettes a day has remained relatively stable, at 35.2% in 2024 and 35.9% in 2022. One in four smokers (24.8%) consumes one to five cigarettes a day, up from 18.1% two years ago.
The survey also revealed that the majority of people (65.3%) start smoking between the ages of 15 and 20, while 22.8% take up the habit between 21 and 30 years old. Only 2.5% of smokers begin after the age of 30.
There is a significant gender disparity in smoking prevalence, with 44.3% of men smoking daily or occasionally, compared to just 10.1% of women. Among daily smokers, 32.7% are men, while only 5.6% are women.
The Rosstat survey, conducted every two years, provides valuable insights into the smoking habits of the Russian population and the progress made in reducing the prevalence of heavy smoking in the country.
As several bills aimed at significantly complicating the sale of electronic cigarettes in Russia are being discussed in the federal government and the State Duma (SD), industry experts warn that overly restrictive measures could drive the market underground, leading to illegal sales via messaging apps, the internet, or even from cardboard boxes on the street.
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