The Chechen Republic has the lowest prevalence of smoking in Russia at just 0.2%, followed by Ingushetia (6.17%) and Kabardino-Balkaria (10.31%), according to March 2025 data from the Central Research Institute for Organization and Informatization of Health (CRIOI) of the Russian Ministry of Health. Other regions with low smoking rates include Karachay-Cherkessia (11.18%) and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (11.58%).
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The total number of e-cigarette consumers in Russia increased by 19% in 2024, reaching 5.3 million people, according to data from the analytical service of the audit and consulting network FinExpertiza, prepared for TASS news agency. This growth in vape and heated tobacco product users has contributed to an overall rise in nicotine-dependent individuals in the country.
Read moreThe head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Health Protection, Sergey Leonov, has asserted the necessity of a complete ban on the production of vaping devices within Russia. Speaking on “Radio Rossii,” Leonov stated that despite existing laws prohibiting the sale of vapes to minors, cases of children using e-cigarettes continue to be recorded. He believes this warrants a total prohibition on domestic vape manufacturing.
Read moreRussia’s Ministry of Finance has put forward a proposal to introduce licensing for both wholesale and retail trade of tobacco products, e-cigarettes (vapes), and hookahs, slated to begin in March of next year. Businesses would need to pay a fee to obtain a sales permit, ensure their products comply with registration requirements in the national goods marking system, and have no outstanding tax debts.
Read moreSmoking on shared apartment building balconies in Russia can result in fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles, according to Sergey Kolunov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction, Housing and Communal Services. He emphasized that the ban on smoking in common areas of residential buildings, such as elevators and stairwells, also extends to these shared balconies.
Read moreProposed Russian law seeks to prohibit sales of tobacco, vapes & hookahs at public transport stops to limit youth access & passive smoking.
Russian lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit the sale of cigarettes, vaping products, nicotine-containing items, and hookahs at all public transport stops across the country. The legislation, introduced to the State Duma by deputies from the Khabarovsk Territory, aims to reduce the accessibility of these products, particularly to students, and to combat passive smoking.
Read moreGovernor 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