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

Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
Bangladesh High Court Questions Legality of BEZA’s Approval for Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory
The High Court in Bangladesh has asked government bodies to explain why the approval granted to Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch factory should not be deemed illegal. Petitioners argue the decision contradicts existing policies and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling that restricts new tobacco-related enterprises. Authorities have ten days to respond.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea will implement amendments to its Tobacco Business Act on April 24, 2026, officially classifying synthetic nicotine liquid e-cigarettes as tobacco. This marks the first revision of the legal definition of tobacco since 1988. Once in effect, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be subject to existing tobacco regulations, including health warnings, advertising restrictions, smoke-free area enforcement, and youth protection measures.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao: China’s High-Level Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Will Reshape the Global Market
Alan Zhao: China’s High-Level Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Will Reshape the Global Market
Alan Zhao wrote an article interpreting China's highest-level law enforcement action against illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes. He believes that this is not only an upgrade of domestic governance but will also have a profound impact on the global new tobacco supply chain and market pattern.
Dec.19 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Study: TikTok Content Frames Nicotine Pouches as “Trendy Accessories,” Diluting Risk Perception Among Youth
Study: TikTok Content Frames Nicotine Pouches as “Trendy Accessories,” Diluting Risk Perception Among Youth
A study published in JMIR Formative Research analyzed 132 TikTok videos related to nicotine pouches and found that platform content predominantly presents these products as a “youthful trend” rather than as smoking cessation tools. Health risks are underrepresented, the user base appears largely male, and this portrayal may influence how adolescents perceive the risks associated with nicotine products.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam’s Government Decree 371, effective December 31, 2025, stipulates that users of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be fined VND 3–5 million (about $114–$190) and required to destroy the products. The decree also provides that individuals who allow use at premises they own or manage will be fined VND 5–10 million (about $190–$380), with fines doubled for organizations.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai