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

Cambodia: Phnom Penh authorities seize 2,000+ vape devices and arrest two alleged distributors
Cambodia: Phnom Penh authorities seize 2,000+ vape devices and arrest two alleged distributors
Kiripost reports that authorities seized more than 2,000 electronic smoking devices and arrested two alleged distributors in Phnom Penh’s Toul Kork district, prompting health advocates to warn that inconsistent enforcement is undermining Cambodia’s crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes and shisha.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
Philip Morris International (PMI) said IQOS, via its “IQOS Curious X” platform, has entered a global partnership with the Zamna music festival in Tulum, Mexico, with the collaboration making its on-site debut during Zamna 2026 and targeting adult nicotine users. PMI said IQOS has more than 34 million users worldwide, while the number of adult consumers in Mexico has surpassed 140,000.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp Report Shows Mint Tops Nicotine Pouch Flavours, Berry Leads Vapes in the UK
Haypp Report Shows Mint Tops Nicotine Pouch Flavours, Berry Leads Vapes in the UK
Online retailer Haypp has released its 2025 Haypp Wrapped report, detailing flavour and brand preferences among UK nicotine pouch and vape users. The report found that mint flavours dominated the nicotine pouch market, while berry flavours were most popular among vape users. Velo and Nordic Spirit led the nicotine pouch category, while Elf Bar and Vuse topped the vape brand rankings.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
TGA Sets 2026–2027 Compliance Principles, Flags Vaping Goods as a 2026 Priority
TGA Sets 2026–2027 Compliance Principles, Flags Vaping Goods as a 2026 Priority
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has released its Compliance Principles for 2026 and 2027.Among 12 therapeutic goods categories identified for priority compliance and enforcement activity, TGA includes vaping goods, and it plans a further review of these priorities in March 2026.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings has signed a licensing agreement with IKE Tech to commercialize an age-gated vape activation system in the U.S. The technology combines biometric authentication, BLE hardware, and a mobile app for continuous device-level age verification. The company plans to test-market the system with SBX nicotine analogue products this spring and may later apply it to PACHA-branded ENDS.
News
Jan.06
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai