Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Sales and Youth Access

According to reports from regulatory authorities, more than 100 criminal cases related to counterfeit cigarettes and mixed additives have been initiated as of 2022. Over 40 million products have been seized. "Strengthening control is definitely needed. If we see a significant proportion (40%) of products being illegally sold, then some measures should be taken," said Vasily Golubev, Governor of Rostov Oblast. "This is a serious budget loss.

One of the region's major challenges is cracking down on the sale of tobacco products to minors. "In recent years, we had been quite effective in reducing underage consumption of tobacco products prior to the rapid increase in excise taxes and growth of the illegal tobacco market. However, the growth of the grey market around the world, including in Rostov region and elsewhere, has contributed to increased supply," said Svetlana Chernishova, Chair of the non-profit consumer market in Rostov region. "This is a problem of lack of inspections.

The government proposes various methods to combat the sale of tobacco to minors, including organizing specialized training courses for salespersons, playing educational videos, and distributing informational handbooks.