Government Crackdown on Violating Smoking and E-cigarette Bans in Kazakhstan

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.28.2024
Government Crackdown on Violating Smoking and E-cigarette Bans in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Senate President calls for surprise inspections on venues violating hookah and e-cigarette bans, citing law enforcement concerns.

According to KZ.Kursiv, on June 27, the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the government, and local governments to conduct surprise inspections on entertainment venues that violate the ban on water pipes and e-cigarettes.


He stated in parliament that many customers of cafes, bars, and restaurants are flagrantly violating these bans without any restraint, and this behavior is "undermining the rule of law".


Ashimbaev pointed out during the plenary session of the Senate that...


As is well known, in many places, customers can freely smoke hookah. E-cigarettes are also prohibited by law, but in reality they are easily available and many people are using and selling these products. Therefore, whether the government is effectively enforcing the relevant laws is a major issue.


He also mentioned that the Department of Health proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to young people under 21, but he is concerned that this ban could also face similar enforcement challenges.


Akhimbayev emphasized that the failure to enforce the law is "undermining" the structure of the rule of law, therefore he called for surprise inspections of places violating current bans.


Government representatives are present... please conduct inspections with local enforcement agencies. Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior are also here. Inspections are being carried out in cafes and restaurants in Astana during evening hours. There is also a lot of evidence and photos on social media, so there is no need to personally visit to see these issues.


In mid-March, Gulnar Sarsenbaeva, a representative of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Health, pointed out that many restaurant and bar owners have been widely ignoring the current smoking ban. As a result, the country plans to increase penalties for smoking hookah in restaurants and bars. The Ministry of Health not only intends to raise fines for consumers but also introduce new penalties for establishments in violation of the ban.


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

China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 4.5% in Q3 2026 as 21.6% Growth in Shipments to the UK Offset a Decline in Shipments to the US
China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 4.5% in Q3 2026 as 21.6% Growth in Shipments to the UK Offset a Decline in Shipments to the US
China's vape-related exports rose 4.5% year over year to $2.86 billion in the third quarter of 2026, led by stronger shipments to the United Kingdom as exports to the United States declined. UK-bound shipments increased 21.6%, adding $81.9 million, while US exports fell 5.2%, or $53.6 million. Growth weakened through the quarter, with September exports down 6.3% globally and 37.8% to the US. Nicotine-containing vape products accounted for more than 82% of the quarterly net increase, while device exports were nearly flat. Nine-month exports totaled $7.82 billion, up 4.0%.
DATA
Oct.26
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched ZYN Melts in the UK, introducing a fully dissolvable oral nicotine tablet format alongside the brand's existing nicotine pouches. The range includes Cool Mint and Peppermint, each offered at 1mg and 2mg of nicotine per tablet, creating four SKUs. Each can contains 20 tablets and is priced at £6.50 in the UK. Unlike ZYN nicotine pouches, Melts are placed between the upper lip and gum and dissolve completely during use.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Technology reported FY2026 revenue of about $96 million, down 24.7% year over year, as U.S. cannabis-vapor hardware and European e-cigarette sales declined by $17.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 32.5% to $26.7 million, while quarterly gross margin fell to 6.3%. For FY2027, the company is prioritizing Malaysia manufacturing and vapor ODM while continuing to develop nicotine pouches, IKE Tech age-verification technology and G-Mesh licensing. Ispire has not separately disclosed the revenue or profit contribution of those newer businesses.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
North Carolina Tightens Vape Product Directory Enforcement, Expands State and Local Powers as Violators Face Fines, Product Seizures and License Suspension or Revocation
North Carolina Tightens Vape Product Directory Enforcement, Expands State and Local Powers as Violators Face Fines, Product Seizures and License Suspension or Revocation
North Carolina has expanded enforcement of its vapor product directory rules, authorizing more state and local law enforcement participation and establishing a task force led by the State Bureau of Investigation. The legislation requires at least one unannounced compliance inspection annually for retailers, distributors and wholesalers handling covered products. Penalties effective October 1, 2026, include civil fines of $500–$750 for a first violation and $1,000–$1,500 for repeated violations within 12 months, along with potential license suspension or revocation. Manufacturers may face penalties of $10,000 per unlisted product. The measures strengthen the product directory system established in 2024.
Regulations
Oct.28
Los Angeles Cracks Down on Illicit Flavored Vapes and Counterfeit Goods: 12 Businesses Searched, 24 Arrested, Eight Truckloads Seized
Los Angeles Cracks Down on Illicit Flavored Vapes and Counterfeit Goods: 12 Businesses Searched, 24 Arrested, Eight Truckloads Seized
Los Angeles authorities searched 12 businesses and arrested 24 people during a multi-agency operation targeting illicit flavored vaping products, flavored cigarettes and counterfeit merchandise on October 22, 2026. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said approximately eight tractor-trailer loads of merchandise were seized. Alleged violations involved flavored tobacco sales restrictions, tobacco licensing requirements and counterfeit trademark laws. Local, state and federal agencies participated. Authorities have not disclosed the number, brands or value of vaping products seized. Investigations remain ongoing.
Enforcement
Oct.28
Product | KIWI Launches Spark 2 and Spark 2 Pro in Germany, Two Hardware Tiers Share Backward-Compatible 2ml Pods
Product | KIWI Launches Spark 2 and Spark 2 Pro in Germany, Two Hardware Tiers Share Backward-Compatible 2ml Pods
KIWI has launched the Spark 2 and Spark 2 Pro refillable pod systems in Germany at official prices of €18 and €29, respectively. Spark 2 uses an 800mAh removable lithium-ion battery in a pen-style body, while Spark 2 Pro features a 1,400mAh removable battery, a box-shaped design and vibration feedback every 20 puffs. Both devices use the same 2ml Spark V2 pods in 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω versions, with AirSync airflow adjustment and a choice between Cotton Tips and conventional Drip Tips. The new pods also remain compatible with the original KIWI Spark.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives