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

Alan Zhao: What Altria’s on! PLUS Authorization Really Signals About FDA PMTA Enforcement
Alan Zhao: What Altria’s on! PLUS Authorization Really Signals About FDA PMTA Enforcement
In this in-depth commentary for 2Firsts, Alan Zhao examines what Altria’s on! PLUS authorization really signals about FDA PMTA enforcement. Beyond the headline approval, FDA’s language, process design and product choices offer rare insight into how nicotine pouch regulation is taking shape—and what it means for industry compliance, in one of the earliest expert reads of the decision.
Regulations
Dec.20 by 2Firsts Perspectives
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) jointly announced the launch of the 2026 National Standardization Project for E-cigarettes. The initiative, coordinated by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of E-cigarettes, aims to enhance the industry’s regulatory framework through new standards on manufacturing, storage, distribution, and evaluation.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pakistan Senate bill seeks strict control of vapes and e-cigarettes in Islamabad, including under-18 sales ban
Pakistan Senate bill seeks strict control of vapes and e-cigarettes in Islamabad, including under-18 sales ban
Following approval by the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill is set to be tabled in the Senate to impose strict controls on the sale, marketing and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in Islamabad.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Breaking News | China Deploys Full-Chain Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement Storm Looms for Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarettes
Breaking News | China Deploys Full-Chain Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement Storm Looms for Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarettes
China has issued a high-level directive to crack down on illicit tobacco activities, bringing e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches under tighter enforcement. The move follows a Premier-led meeting and underscores stepped-up oversight across the tobacco supply chain, amid the sector’s continued fiscal importance.
Dec.18
Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products
Philippines’ DTI Proposes Mandatory Advertising Permits for Vape Products
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) seeking public feedback on a new permitting system for advertising and promoting vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service said it has seized 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025. The crackdown follows a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes that came into force on January 1.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai