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

Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
Kentucky will issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor product retailers that applied for a license with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) before Jan. 1, 2026.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
An exclusive 2Firsts investigation found an unpublished FDA update on e-cigarette marketing authorizations that mirrors market speculation, suggesting Glas’s application may have cleared internal review, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Regulations
Dec.21
Breaking News | China’s Premier Li Qiang Issues Rare Directive to Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Activities
Breaking News | China’s Premier Li Qiang Issues Rare Directive to Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Activities
Based on combined reporting from Xinhua and Xinwen Lianbo, 2Firsts reports that Chinese Premier Li Qiang has issued a rare directive at a State Council executive meeting to launch comprehensive, full-chain enforcement against illicit tobacco activities.
News
Dec.05
Report Says Teen e-cigarette use on the rise, with majority of sales coming from disposable products
Report Says Teen e-cigarette use on the rise, with majority of sales coming from disposable products
Monitoring a Changing Tobacco Product Market in the United States is the second annual review from the Monitoring Tobacco Product Use project, analyzing retail scanner data from January 2019 to December 2024 and TEEN+ survey data.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation|VELO at Stockholm Arlanda: Travel-Centric Messaging and Full-Line Flavour Presentation
2Firsts Observation|VELO at Stockholm Arlanda: Travel-Centric Messaging and Full-Line Flavour Presentation
2Firsts observed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport that British American Tobacco’s VELO positions the airport environment as a core marketing scenario, deploying large-format LED displays, a full flavour matrix, and clear nicotine-strength segmentation. The brand also features an instructional “How to Use VELO” section and multi-pack sales strategy, showcasing its systematic merchandising capabilities in the Nordic travel-retail channel.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
According to foreign media, the European Union will examine a strengthened Danish proposal to amend the Tobacco Excise Directive. The plan introduces sharper tax increases on heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and other products. Despite overwhelming public opposition in earlier consultations, the revision continues to move forward, raising concerns about supply chain impacts and potential growth in illicit trade.
Dec.04