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.


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

Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue is intensifying enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products ahead of the Christmas shopping season, directing regional and enforcement offices to strengthen monitoring of production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets. The BIR destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products in August with an estimated tax liability of about PHP1.53 billion. A nationwide tax-compliance operation in July also inspected 3,590 businesses involved in tobacco and vapor products.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden is expected to oppose a European Union proposal to raise minimum tobacco excise duties, Law360 reported on October 26, 2026, citing an EU official. A provisional Council agenda dated October 23 confirms that the tobacco taxation package is scheduled for discussion at the November 9 finance ministers' meeting, where member states will seek a general approach. The proposed reforms would raise minimum taxes on conventional tobacco products and establish EU-wide excise rules for vaping liquids, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. Sweden supports harmonising tobacco taxation rules but objects to requiring nicotine pouches to bear the same minimum tax burden as certain smoking tobacco products. As EU indirect tax legislation requires unanimous Council approval, Swedish opposition could block the proposal in its current form.
Regulations
Oct.29
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
AIR Q3 Sales Rise 11%, but New Products Generate Just $2.1 Million in Nine Months as U.S. Vape Push Awaits FDA Review
AIR Global PLC (NASDAQ: AIIR), a producer of flavored shisha tobacco and next-generation nicotine products, reported an 11.1% increase in third-quarter 2026 revenue to $99.8 million and a 7.7% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $30.9 million. Revenue for the first nine months increased 6.0% to $306.7 million, but the company posted a $74.2 million net loss, affected by listing-related expenses and other costs. Its New Growth Categories (NGC) business generated $2.1 million in nine-month revenue and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $10.8 million. AIR maintained its 2026 revenue growth guidance of 4%–6%, while lowering its capital expenditure outlook and raising its year-end leverage forecast from approximately 2.1 times to 2.5 times. The company has submitted a U.S. PMTA for its Crown Switch pod vape, with future contributions from new products dependent on regulatory progress and commercialization.
Capital Markets
Nov.13
Product | KUMI SCENIC 50K Offers Nicotine and 6-Methyl Nicotine Versions as 6-MN Products Appear in Multiple U.S. State Directories, With Louisiana Listing FDA Exemption
Product | KUMI SCENIC 50K Offers Nicotine and 6-Methyl Nicotine Versions as 6-MN Products Appear in Multiple U.S. State Directories, With Louisiana Listing FDA Exemption
An October 2026 review of U.S. state vapor product directories found KUMI 6 SCENIC 50K listed in Louisiana and Nebraska. Louisiana classifies 20 related product entries as “FDA EXEMPTION.” The SCENIC platform is marketed in both conventional nicotine-salt and NoNic6 formulations, each advertised with 22mL e-liquid capacity and up to 50,000 puffs. U.S. wholesaler Midwest Goods listed both versions in August 2025 with a suggested retail price of $19.99 each. The NoNic6 version is associated with 6-methylnicotine and is also marketed by some distributors as “nicotine-free.”
product
Oct.27
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
A federal judge in Texas on Oct. 8 granted a joint request by the FDA and plaintiffs including Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY to stay litigation challenging the agency's 2021 PMTA rule. The court cited FDA's anticipated rulemaking concerning the regulation at issue. FDA announced on Sept. 28 that it intends to reassess the PMTA framework and could initiate new rulemaking to replace it. The parties must file a joint status report within 45 days and every 45 days thereafter. A motion by three Reynolds American companies to intervene remains pending.
Regulations
Oct.10
Product | JT Launches Three Autumn-Limited Ploom Tobacco Sticks in Japan Across EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL Brands
Product | JT Launches Three Autumn-Limited Ploom Tobacco Sticks in Japan Across EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL Brands
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched three limited-edition autumn tobacco sticks for its Ploom heated tobacco devices in Japan on October 16, 2026, under the EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL brands. All three are regular tobacco variants with seasonal packaging. Each pack contains 20 sticks, priced at ¥620, ¥590 and ¥570, respectively, including tax. The products are compatible with all Ploom devices and are sold in limited quantities exclusively through the CLUB JT online store while supplies last.
product
Oct.20