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

New York Nicotine Pouch Tax Moves Forward as Critics Question Public Health Impact
New York Nicotine Pouch Tax Moves Forward as Critics Question Public Health Impact
New York Governor Kathy Hochul included in her FY 2027 budget proposal a plan to impose the same 75% wholesale tax on nicotine pouches such as Zyn that applies to cigarettes. The measure is expected to raise USD 18 million in FY 2027 and USD 44 million in FY 2028 after full implementation.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
According to the Nizhny Novgorod regional government, 550 stores in the region have voluntarily removed vapes and e-liquids from their product assortments. Regional officials said a public offer encouraging businesses to self-restrict vape sales has been in place since September 2025, and that a large retail chain with more than 40 outlets in Nizhny Novgorod joined the initiative. The regional government also said a federal ban on vape sales is expected in the near future.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan will implement price increases centered on heated tobacco products from April 1, 2026, following a tobacco tax hike. BAT Japan has decided to keep current prices unchanged for 38 glo-compatible tobacco stick products across the Velo, neo, Lucky Strike, and Kent lines.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has submitted a detailed opinion against Ireland's proposed "Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025." Italy argued that the comprehensive ban on disposable vapes lacks scientific evidence, violates the EU principle of the free movement of goods, and conflicts with the existing Tobacco Products Directive.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp, an online retailer of alternative nicotine products, has confirmed it is exiting the UK vape category as it shifts focus to the oral nicotine market. The company said analysis of its sales data showed increasing adoption of nicotine pouches across its six international markets: the UK, the USA, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters Exclusive: FDA’s Fast-Track Review of Nicotine Pouches Slows Over Youth and New-User Concerns
Reuters Exclusive: FDA’s Fast-Track Review of Nicotine Pouches Slows Over Youth and New-User Concerns
Reuters reported on April 1 that several popular nicotine pouch products still have not been cleared for sale in the United States despite a fast-track review pilot run by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Three sources said FDA reviewers have taken a cautious approach because of potential risks to youth and other non-tobacco users, including the possibility of driving nicotine addiction among adults who do not already smoke.
Apr.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai