Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Products in Astana, Kazakhstan

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.19.2024
Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Products in Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan authorities crack down on illegal tobacco sales, with over 100 businesses inspected and 598 individuals facing administrative penalties.

According to a recent report by Tengrinews, all five districts of Astana, Kazakhstan are conducting an operation to investigate the sale and distribution of non-tobacco products, as well as to stop the public advertisement of e-cigarettes. During this operation, over 100 commercial entities were inspected. Police officers, along with regional authorities, discovered approximately 50 cases of non-tobacco product sales and distribution.

 

According to Yerzat Kokenov, the regional police inspector of the Eisel Police Station, shop owners who violated the ban on tobacco products were fined 92,300 tenge, equivalent to 25 times the established amount. Under Article 441 of the Kazakhstan Administrative Offences Code, 598 individuals have been held accountable for breaking the ban on using tobacco products.

 

It is reported that the current National Health and Health Care System Law prohibits the sale of non-tobacco products. Those caught illegally selling non-tobacco products will face fines based on 25 metrics, which could amount to over 92,000 gongos. During the operation, individuals using non-tobacco products in public places were also engaged in conversations.

 

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the dangers of drugs and other harmful substances to health during the third national Kurultai meeting on March 15, 2024.

 

Currently, there are discussions about amending relevant laws that would impose criminal penalties on individuals using e-cigarettes.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart head Anton Shalaev told TASS that Russia will tighten requirements for the packaging and design of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems in early 2026.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
China’s e-cigarette industry is adjusting to a major policy shift. From April 1, 2026, China will scrap the 13% export VAT rebate on e-cigarette products, a move affecting manufacturers centered in Shenzhen. Industry participants told 2Firsts the change is forcing a reassessment of pricing and capacity, with competition shifting toward cash flow resilience, regulatory compliance, and multi-location strategies.
Industry Insight
Jan.16
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japanese artist VERDY has renewed his collaboration with Japan Tobacco’s heated tobacco brand Ploom to launch a limited-edition “Ploom AURA × Wasted Youth” set in December 2025, which will be sold via a one-day pop-up store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district through a lottery system, with part of the lineup also available in limited quantities on Ploom’s online platform.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
A newly introduced Tennessee bill, S.B. 2086, would create a statewide tobacco product retail licensing system, move oversight to the Tennessee Alcohol Commission, and impose fees and escalating penalties. The proposal also requires all tobacco product sales to occur as in-person, over-the-counter transactions at licensed locations—effectively banning direct-to-consumer shipping of cigars and potentially restricting curbside or phone-order pickup models.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), opened an IQOS flagship boutique on December 19 in the Ayala business district of Makati City, the Philippines. Positioned as a multi-sensory, immersive retail space, the store is designed for legal-aged nicotine users. It features the Philippines’ first IQOS Scent Experience zone and also showcases the upcoming IQOS x ISABEL collaboration.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai