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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Bryansk 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreAs 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreAs 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.