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.

UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
The UAE Ministry of Finance will introduce a minimum excise price for e-liquids used in vaping and electronic smoking devices from September 1, 2026. The minimum excise price will be set at AED 1 per millilitre. The existing 100% excise tax rate will continue to apply to tobacco and electronic smoking products. The measure changes the minimum taxable base rather than the tax rate, with the UAE government saying it aims to establish unified tax standards, improve market compliance and prevent pricing loopholes.
Regulations
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
The UK’s Vaping Products Duty (VPD), scheduled to take effect in October 2026, is prompting retailers to assess how different vape categories may be affected. UK retailer Vape HQ has estimated potential price changes under the new volume-based tax system, showing that 100ml shortfill e-liquids could see prices rise from around £12.99 to £39.39, a 203% increase, while 2ml prefilled pod vape kits could rise from £5.99 to £6.52, an increase of about 9%. The estimates highlight how a volume-based tax structure creates uneven cost impacts across product categories.
Aug.19
Cochrane 2026 Update Adds Nine Trials, Keeps High-Certainty Finding That Nicotine E-Cigarettes Improve Quit Rates Over NRT
Cochrane 2026 Update Adds Nine Trials, Keeps High-Certainty Finding That Nicotine E-Cigarettes Improve Quit Rates Over NRT
Cochrane’s 2026 update of its living review on electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation included 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 adult smokers, with nine trials added in this update. The review retained its high-certainty conclusion that nicotine e-cigarettes increase smoking cessation rates compared with nicotine replacement therapy. In absolute terms, about 10 in 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes may quit smoking for at least six months, compared with about 6 in 100 using NRT. The review found no clear difference in serious adverse event rates between the two groups, while longer-term safety and the relative effectiveness of newer device types remain less certain.
Sep.07
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06
Product | HQD SiSA 80K Enters the U.S. Market With a Hookah-Inspired Approach to the High-Capacity Disposable Segment
Product | HQD SiSA 80K Enters the U.S. Market With a Hookah-Inspired Approach to the High-Capacity Disposable Segment
The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape has appeared across U.S. and cross-border online retail channels. The device comes prefilled with 28ml of e-liquid, uses a 5% nicotine salt configuration and carries a brand claim of up to 80,000 puffs. Beyond puff count, the product differentiates itself through hookah-inspired features including adjustable airflow, a flowing-water sound effect and flavor options associated with traditional hookah consumption.
Aug.18
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
A Scottish government impact assessment estimates that proposed vape display and packaging rules could create up to £61 million ($82 million) in compliance costs for businesses, affecting more than 11,000 retail outlets. The estimated costs are mainly linked to inventory adjustments, retail storage changes and the resources required for businesses to understand and implement the new requirements. The measures form part of the UK’s broader efforts to tighten vape regulation, particularly around product displays, packaging and sales practices.
Aug.10