Russian regulatory authorities have reported a decrease in illegal tobacco sales in 2022, but the statistics remain concerning. Over the course of nine months of investigations, more than one hundred cases were opened, all relating to counterfeit cigarettes and over forty million units of tobacco products mixed with other substances have been taken out of circulation.
They use the "Honest sign" to identify "grey" sellers - the name of a digital label that guarantees the quality of even harmful products.
Vasily Golubev, Governor of Rostov Region, stated that it is absolutely necessary to strengthen control measures. If it is discovered that 40% of products are being illegally sold, then action must be taken. This is a serious budget loss.
Another serious issue is the increasing rate of teenage smoking. The conference of the Taskforce on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Industrial Products paid special attention to this topic, and the results of their efforts this year are currently being presented. All tobacco shops inspected were found to be selling cigarettes to minors. In addition to Tambov, the Kuban and Orenburg regions have also been downgraded in Russia's anti-rating on tobacco availability to children. The situation in Stavropol and Yekaterinburg is slightly better.
Svetlana Chernyshova, Chairwoman of the non-commercial consumer market in the Rostov region, stated that they have been successful in reducing tobacco consumption by minors before the increase in consumption tax and the growth of the illegal tobacco market. However, the increase in grey market activity around the world, including in the Rostov region, Russia, and other areas, is contributing to increased accessibility, which is currently not being checked.
Complicating the situation is the circulation of electronic cigarettes, with over 90% sold on the black market. Nicotine addiction is not only associated with savvy sellers, but also with consumers. Many people are unaware that purchasing illegal products is also a criminal offense.
Svetlana Chernyshova, the chairperson of the non-commercial consumer market in Rostov region, stated that "they contribute to crime, cause budget losses, but they also passively lead to children being able to access illegal and nicotine-containing tobacco products.
To combat the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18, various methods are being provided, including educational videos, training, and booklets. These resources offer detailed information on relevant laws and penalties. However, the success of these measures will ultimately depend on the awareness and cooperation of both sellers and consumers.
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