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

Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony on LB1254, which would require electronic smoking devices sold in the state to include built-in child safety features. Violations would be a Class IV misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500. Supporters argued young children can easily activate unprotected devices by inhaling, risking exposure to nicotine and other toxic chemicals, and said safeguards should mirror child-resistant measures used for medications and other household products.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
A European study cited in the report says the share of young people aged 15 to 19 who are current e-cigarette users increased from 14% in 2019 to 22% in 2024, with Italy reflecting the broader European pattern. Over the same period, conventional cigarette smoking among young people is described as declining, with the proportion of students who have smoked at least once in their lifetime falling sharply from 1995 to 2024, and the largest drop occurring between 2019 and 2024.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia to Start Extrajudicial Blocking of Sites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online From March 1
Russia to Start Extrajudicial Blocking of Sites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online From March 1
Russia will introduce an extrajudicial (non-court) blocking mechanism starting March 1, 2026, allowing authorities to block websites selling tobacco and nicotine-containing products online without a court order. State Duma member Anton Nemkin said the change will place offending sites directly onto the prohibited information registry, speeding up enforcement, reducing the court burden, and increasing platform obligations to proactively monitor content.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Constitutional Challenge From Vape Trade Group
Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Constitutional Challenge From Vape Trade Group
A Colorado vape industry trade group says Denver’s voter-approved flavored tobacco sales ban is unconstitutional and too vague to enforce. The group is asking a state court for a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of Ordinance 24-1765 and for a declaration allowing flavored tobacco and vape sales, citing state constitutional vagueness concerns and multiple U.S. constitutional issues.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Volgograd Police Seize Illicit Nicotine Products Worth Over US$42.9K+
Russia’s Volgograd Police Seize Illicit Nicotine Products Worth Over US$42.9K+
Police in Russia’s Volgograd region say they seized nicotine products lacking mandatory markings valued at more than RUB 3.3 million (about US$42,900+, using RUB 1 = US$0.013). A 43-year-old suspect allegedly stored and sold the products through two retail outlets in Volgograd’s Central and Dzerzhinsky districts. A criminal case has been opened under Article 171.1(6) of the Russian Criminal Code.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
A Louisiana lawmaker has introduced HB 302, which would prohibit businesses from selling vapor products within 300 feet of schools. The bill would measure the distance by a person walking on the sidewalk from the nearest point on school property to the nearest point of the business. It would also give the commissioner authority to modify how the distance is calculated, while maintaining the 300-foot limit.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai