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

Singapore detected 59 large-scale vape smuggling cases in 2025, seizing about 230,000 items
Singapore detected 59 large-scale vape smuggling cases in 2025, seizing about 230,000 items
Singapore’s Ministry of Health said on Feb. 3 that authorities detected 59 large-scale vape smuggling cases in 2025 and seized about 230,000 vapes and accessories. Over the past two years, more than 10,000 online vape sale advertisements were removed, with about 99% linked to overseas platform posts. Enforcement includes bot-driven surveillance, public tip-offs, and site-blocking with partner agencies.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal, citing a review of policy documents released by the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration in early 2026, said China’s latest e-cigarette rules target credit-based regulation, capacity controls and national standards revisions.Alan Zhao, co-founder of 2Firsts, said tighter oversight will speed consolidation, curb noncompliance and reduce destructive competition.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea said on Feb. 5 it has introduced “TEREA Shine Pearl,” a new TEREA stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated-tobacco device. The company said the product delivers a cool sensation and adds a fresh, fruity note when the capsule is crushed, bringing TEREA’s capsule-based lineup in South Korea to seven variants.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15
Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said 66.4 billion cigarettes were taxed in 2025, up 0.2% from 2024, while long-term volumes have more than halved since 1991 and per-capita consumption fell to 795 cigarettes. Taxed tobacco substitutes such as e-cigarette liquids reached 1.5 million liters, up 18.2% year on year.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK vape firm Plxsur sold for £76,500 after touting $1 billion revenue target
UK vape firm Plxsur sold for £76,500 after touting $1 billion revenue target
London-based vaping company Plxsur, which had claimed in fundraising materials it could reach $1 billion in annual revenue and capture about 10% of the global vaping market, has been sold out of administration for £76,500. Administrators said the figures were aspirational and depended on acquisitions that were never completed, as the company later ran out of cash and entered insolvency, with a shareholder ultimately buying the business.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai