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

Product | Full-screen display and 10K puffs: IVG launches new Pro-series pod vape in the UK
Product | Full-screen display and 10K puffs: IVG launches new Pro-series pod vape in the UK
E-cigarette brand IVG has recently rolled out the IVG Pro 2 across several UK online retailers. The device is compatible with IVG Pro pods and comes in 33 flavours with nicotine strengths of 0mg, 10mg and 20mg. Channel listings show a 2ml prefilled pod paired with a 10ml refill container, with pricing around £9.99.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
KT&G Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results: Global CC Strongest, NGP Penetration Expands
According to KT&G’s official website (Feb 5, 2026), KT&G released its 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year results. Driven by strong growth in its overseas cigarette business and a rebound in its real estate business, the company posted double-digit increases in both revenue and operating profit, reaching record-high performance.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jordan Cuts Taxes on Heated Tobacco and E-cigarettes
Jordan Cuts Taxes on Heated Tobacco and E-cigarettes
Jordan has amended its 2025 Special Tax Law, introducing a package of tax reductions on heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Published in the Official Gazette, the changes take effect Monday morning and include a 50% cut in taxes on heated tobacco devices, as well as significant reductions on e-cigarette hardware and liquids. The move is expected to have an immediate impact on retail prices.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
As nicotine pouches gain global traction as a lower-risk alternative to smoking, questions are emerging about their potential oral health effects. In a 2Firsts interview, Stingfree AB founder Bengt Wiberg discusses why gum irritation and oral lesions warrant closer scrutiny within the broader framework of tobacco harm reduction.
Jan.06
Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two shops in Taunton have been ordered to close for three months after authorities found illegal tobacco and vape products worth around £50,000. The seizures followed joint operations involving Trading Standards officers, police and tobacco detection dogs. Magistrates ruled that closing the premises was necessary to prevent further criminal activity.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying  PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Poland plans to amend its excise tax regulations on e-cigarettes to address a loophole created by the emergence of electromagnetic iMagnetic-attachment devices in 2025. Under the proposal, products incorporating ferromagnetic components will be classified as e-cigarettes and subject to an excise tax of PLN 40 (about USD 11.2) per unit. The revised rules are expected to take effect 14 days after promulgation.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai