Kazakhstan Controversial Criminal Case over E-cigarette Sales Surge

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jul.08.2024
Kazakhstan Controversial Criminal Case over E-cigarette Sales Surge
A Kazakh businessman in Zhanaozen faces charges for selling disposable e-cigarettes, sparking controversy over the country's new regulations.

According to Tengrinews.kz on July 8th, another criminal case involving e-cigarettes has sparked controversy in Kazakhstan.


The target of the investigation is an entrepreneur from Zhanaozen City. The entrepreneur is under investigation for selling disposable e-cigarettes.


The Zhanaozen city police reported that this is the first pre-trial interrogation of e-cigarette sales in the city. The entrepreneur will face a fine of 200 MCI (with the highest in 2024 being 738,400 tenge [1554.85 USD]), a maximum of 200 hours of community service, or up to 15 days of detention.


Previously, the first pre-market review of e-cigarette sales was launched in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk.


On June 20th, Kazakhstan officially implemented a new regulation aimed at prohibiting the sale, distribution, and import of e-cigarette products.


According to the recently passed "Health Issues Legal Amendment," a new provision has been added which regulates the distribution of non-tobacco products, electronic consumption systems (e-cigarettes), flavors, and their e-liquids. Part 1 outlines penalties for the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, with fines of up to 200 MRP (738,400 Jenga or $1554.85 USD in 2024), or up to 200 hours of community service, or a maximum of 50 days detention. Part 2 specifies penalties for the importation and production of e-cigarettes, with fines of up to 2000 MRP (730,000 Jenga or $15,371 USD in 2024), or up to 600 hours of community service, or a maximum of 2 years of restricted freedom.


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