Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Products in Kazakhstan's Capital

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.28.2024
Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Products in Kazakhstan's Capital
Kazakhstan capital launches crackdown on illegal e-cigarette and chewing tobacco sales, with hundreds of shops inspected and fines imposed.

According to Zakon.kz, as of March 18th, all areas of the capital of Kazakhstan are undergoing surprise inspections for illegal sales and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

 

According to data from the official website of the Mayor's Office of Astana, approximately 700 shops have been inspected in five areas of the capital since the raid began. Working together, police officers and district mayor's offices have uncovered 145 cases involving the sale of non-smoking tobacco products, including underground factories producing chewing tobacco.

 

According to local police sources, stores selling illegal non-cigarette tobacco products and e-cigarette retailers will face administrative penalties and fines of around 92,300 Guen. Daily raids are being conducted at shops in the capital and will continue until March 31st.

 

So far, the Nura region has imposed fines on six stores, totaling 25 economic baseline points. In the Saryarkin region, two store owners have also received the same punishment. This crackdown on black market tobacco sales has also resulted in the seizure of approximately 60 kilograms of chewing tobacco in the Saryarkin region.

 

President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev brought up the issue of banning the import and sale of e-cigarettes in Kazakhstan during the third session of the National Assembly on March 15th.

 

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

2Firsts Interview with Glas |Why a California ENDS Company Believes Its Age-gated Flavored Vape Could Be Next in Line for FDA Authorization
2Firsts Interview with Glas |Why a California ENDS Company Believes Its Age-gated Flavored Vape Could Be Next in Line for FDA Authorization
As the FDA advances efforts to streamline its PMTA review process, including support for small businesses, expectations are rising that additional product authorizations may follow. Age-verification technology is emerging as a key consideration in future approvals.In this interview, California-based Glas discusses its G2 platform, integrating smartphone-based identity verification, proximity controls and anti-counterfeit systems, and outlines its positioning under the FDA’s PMTA framework.
Mar.02
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore will maintain etomidate’s classification under drug control laws while preparing new legislation targeting e-vaporisers, as authorities reinforce a hardline regulatory stance on vaping.
Feb.05
KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students
KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Youth Health Panel Survey (2025) Final Results Report says key adolescent health indicators worsen as students move up grade levels. By 11th grade, lifetime tobacco experience rose to 9.59%. Among 11th-grade girls, current use of liquid e-cigarettes (1.54%) surpassed conventional cigarettes (1.33%) for the first time.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore hikes vape penalties: users face up to S$10,000; importers up to 9 years
Singapore hikes vape penalties: users face up to S$10,000; importers up to 9 years
Singapore Parliament passes law to significantly increase penalties for e-cigarette possession, use, import, and sale, effective May 1.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opens for Tasmania’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026
Consultation opened on February 6, 2026 for the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026. The Bill intends to address illicit trade in tobacco, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, which has increased significantly across Tasmania in recent years. It proposes changes to the Public Health Act 1997 to further protect the health of Tasmanians by reducing the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, vaping and other products, and to strengthen existing tobacco control laws.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco has launched the fourth installment of its limited-color series for the Ploom AURA heated-tobacco device, unveiling “Purple Dusk” . Priced at JPY 2,980 (about USD 18.7, tax included), it goes on limited early sale via official channels from Jan 13, before rolling out to convenience stores and other retail outlets across Japan from Jan 20.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai