Over 65% of Nicotine Products in Russia Are Illicit; Officials Call for Total E-cigarette Ban

Key points：

·Illegal circulation proportion: In Russia, illegal circulation of nicotine products accounts for 65.8%, reaching as high as 95% to 100% in small towns. 

·Youth risk: 30% of adolescents purchase e-cigarettes online, and the shadow market makes it difficult to control sales to minors. 

·Consumption tax impact: By 2024, the consumption tax on nicotine e-liquid will double, leading to a sharp decrease in the number of legal manufacturers from 117 to 5. 

·Expert suggestions: Implementing a reduction in consumption tax, introducing strict supervision, and strengthening youth education among other comprehensive measures.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report on July 29th, based on data from the National Science and Technology Center (NSCC), the current illegal circulation of nicotine products in Russia accounts for 65.8%, while the illegal circulation of regular cigarettes is only one fifth of that amount. In small towns, the situation is usually very serious – the proportion of illegal products is not 65%, but 95% or even 100%. This means that the composition of products purchased by consumers is almost completely out of control.

Anna Sorochinskaya of the Public Tobacco Committee pointed out that approximately 30% of teenagers are purchasing e-cigarettes online, primarily through social networks and channels like Telegram. As the e-cigarette market moves underground, controlling the sale to minors has become increasingly difficult, leading to an increased risk of youth turning to more dangerous products.

In 2024, the consumption tax on e-liquids containing nicotine doubled. According to data from Vladislav Zaslavsky, the director of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade's Digital Tagging System, the number of legal manufacturers of these products decreased by 23 times in one year, from 117 to 5.

“The high consumption tax has already taken effect, causing the entire market to head towards darkness. Under such a high consumption tax, legitimate market participants cannot compete with illegal businesses that do not pay these taxes. The Ministry of Finance needs to make a decision - either completely ban these activities or introduce strict regulations, including licensing, while at the same time lowering the consumption tax.”

He said.

In June 2025, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov publicly supported a complete ban on e-cigarettes.

“Prohibition cannot cover all areas, but in my opinion, e-cigarettes are an exception. I personally advocate for a complete ban.”

He said that Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, unconditionally supports this idea. He stated that if the government proposes such an initiative, the parliament will give it priority consideration.

At the same time, experts insist that bans will not be effective. The issue can be solved through comprehensive actions. Firstly, a competitive environment should be created for legal businesses - by lowering consumption taxes and issuing licenses. Secondly, inspections should be carried out and concrete sanctions should be imposed - violations should be precisely investigated. Thirdly, prevention measures should be taken for adolescents - through school education, publicity campaigns, and training and warnings in retail stores.