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.

PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
Philip Morris International’s second-quarter net revenues rose 10.4% to a record $11.19 billion, as heated tobacco and e-vapor expanded across international markets. IQOS remained the main smoke-free growth engine, while VEEV shipments jumped 55.1%. In the United States, however, ZYN shipments increased just 1.8% and consumer offtake was broadly flat to slightly higher. Cigarette volumes also rose, showing that PMI’s transformation is advancing, but growth is becoming increasingly uneven across categories and markets.
PMI
Jul.22
Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Philip Morris Japan (PM Japan) has introduced the IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition series, including the IQOS ILUMA i Prime REMIX, IQOS ILUMA i REMIX and IQOS ILUMA i ONE REMIX devices. The limited-edition models were officially announced in Japan on June 9, 2026, and began a phased market rollout from June 10. Featuring gradient color designs and visual customization elements, the collection highlights PMI’s continued use of limited editions to enhance brand experience within its heated tobacco portfolio.
Innovation
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.
Jul.15
U.S. Military Nicotine Policy Sparks Debate as Nicotine Pouches Enter Discussion
U.S. Military Nicotine Policy Sparks Debate as Nicotine Pouches Enter Discussion
An opinion article published by Stars and Stripes argued that the Pentagon’s January nicotine clinical guidelines overemphasize abstinence, fail to reflect the reality that about 30% of active-duty personnel use nicotine, and do not address nicotine pouches as potential harm-reduction products.
Industry Insight
Jun.08
Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Product | VEEV One Plus Goes Official as PMI Strengthens Its Closed-Pod Vaping Portfolio
Philip Morris International (PMI) has officially introduced the VEEV One Plus, the next-generation device in its closed-pod vaping lineup. The product is now featured on the official VEEV website in Portugal, bringing hardware upgrades including a new dual-pod storage system, a larger battery, and an updated device design while maintaining compatibility with existing VEEV One pods.
Jul.02
Product | PMI Introduces VEEV inPrime, Bringing an Induction Vaporization Platform to the Next Generation of the VEEV Portfolio
Product | PMI Introduces VEEV inPrime, Bringing an Induction Vaporization Platform to the Next Generation of the VEEV Portfolio
Philip Morris International (PMI) has introduced VEEV inPrime, the next-generation closed-system vape platform featuring the new AdvanceVape Induction System™. Alongside the new induction platform, PMI has redesigned the pods, e-liquid formulations and user interaction experience. According to PMI and official IQOS websites, VEEV inPrime began a phased European rollout between May and June 2026, with products now available in Greece, Estonia, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Jul.14