Kazakhstan Proposes Ban on E-Cigarettes to Combat Youth Use

Oct.24.2022
Kazakhstan Proposes Ban on E-Cigarettes to Combat Youth Use
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health proposed a ban on electronic cigarettes due to their uncontrolled distribution and consumption.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan recently introduced the concept of a legislative bill titled "Amendments and Additions to Certain Health-Related Legislation in the Republic of Kazakhstan" on the website "Open NLA". The bill proposes a ban on the distribution of electronic cigarettes.


The Ministry of Health has initiated a ban, explaining that the distribution and consumption of electronic cigarettes, including among teenagers and children, is rapidly increasing in Kazakhstan. Uncontrolled widespread sales have led to the popularity of e-cigarettes in the country.


However, experts point out that implementing a ban without attempting to regulate the industry is quite unusual, especially considering international experience suggests that it will lead to even greater growth in smuggling and counterfeiting.


The approach of directly banning electronic cigarettes is flawed, as the ban only exists on paper and in practice, they are still prevalent in Kazakhstan's market for waterpipes and snuff, according to Maxim Kononov, a representative of the Association of Product Producers. With the ban on electronic cigarettes, everyone will be forced into the shadows and the country will lose revenue, while the health risks associated with using electronic cigarettes may be higher than those in the "white" market. While Kononov understands the concerns of parents regarding youth consumption of electronic cigarettes, he argues that youth also consume traditional cigarettes, so why not ban those instead?


Bakhyt Tumenova, President of the National Association for Reducing the Harm of Non-Communicable Diseases, stated that the primary goal in preventing the spread of electronic cigarettes is to promote healthy lifestyles and preventative measures. She also added that instead of being banned, nicotine-consuming electronic devices should be regulated.


Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), technical regulations are being developed for nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes. These regulations do not prohibit their use, but rather establish certain requirements. However, until the EAEU's technical regulations come into effect, each country needs its own technical regulations to control these products. I also believe that the current regulation to suspend inspections of small and medium-sized enterprises should not apply to e-cigarette shops. They must be inspected to ensure that products are not sold to citizens under the age of 21.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for industry exchange and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is only intended for exchange and research within the industry.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, this article may not express the original text accurately. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and foreign affairs statements and positions.


The compiled information is the property of the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
China’s vape-related exports fell 10.25% year on year in May 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly decline, although exports recovered modestly from April. January-May exports totaled US$4.018 billion, down 0.86% from a year earlier and broadly in line with 2025 levels.
Special Report
Jun.29
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
According to Chinese patent records, a “nicotine tooth patch” application filed by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Corporation (CTHB) and Hubei Xinye Tobacco Sheet Development Co., Ltd. was published on May 19, 2026. The filing proposes a nicotine gel patch that adheres to the tooth surface, especially the lingual side, to reduce displacement, foreign-body sensation, and accidental swallowing risks associated with existing oral nicotine products.
Jun.10
 Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
According to Reuters, Philip Morris International (PMI) lowered its 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share forecast amid regulatory uncertainty around Zyn nicotine pouches, rising competition and shipment pressure in the U.S. market.
PMI
Jun.02
UK PM Andy Burnham Shifts Business Rates Policy, Supporting Hospitality While Raising Pressure on Vape Shops
UK PM Andy Burnham Shifts Business Rates Policy, Supporting Hospitality While Raising Pressure on Vape Shops
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government is adjusting business rates policy to support hospitality businesses while some other sectors, including vape retailers, face higher operating cost pressures. According to Streamline Feed, AJ Bell and other reports, the policy shift reflects a redistribution of business rate burdens as the government seeks to support sectors facing economic pressure. For UK vape shops, the change comes amid a broader regulatory environment shaped by the disposable vape ban, the upcoming Vaping Products Duty and increased compliance requirements.
News
Jul.24
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
BAT’s nicotine pouch brand VELO has introduced the Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026. Public retail-channel information shows the product has appeared across multiple European online platforms, while Haypp UK has listed related SKUs with a “Coming soon” status. The packaging carries the wording “Official Tomorrowland Partner,” indicating that the collection is part of VELO’s official collaboration with the electronic music festival brand.
Jul.02
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea began full enforcement of tobacco-style rules for synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes on June 24, 2026, with fines of up to 100,000 won for use in non-smoking areas and enforcement focus on online sales, raw nicotine liquids and products falsely marketed as nicotine-free.
MarketNews
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives