Kazan e-cigarette exhibition cancelled due to law change

Apr.18.2023
Kazan e-cigarette exhibition cancelled due to law change
The Kazan electronic cigarette exhibition, with over 300 brands, was cancelled due to a new law prohibiting sales to minors.

On April 17, the organizers of the Kazan electronic cigarette exhibition announced that it was cancelled due to the recently passed law banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. The exhibition was previously scheduled to take place in May.


Unfortunately, following a political event, the government of the Republic of Tatarstan has banned an exhibition in Kazan. This announcement appeared today on the social media platform of Hookah & Vape Club Show, the world's largest shisha and e-cigarette exhibition, which was originally planned to be held at the Kazan Expo on May 6th and 7th.


At the electronic cigarette exhibition in Kazan, over 300 brands displayed hookah and electronic cigarette products in the two largest exhibition halls. The event was expected to receive around 10,000 visitors over the course of two days, with ticket prices ranging from 1500 to 3500 rubles per day.


The organizers of the electronic cigarette exhibition stated that the event has been held for 7 years.


Business Online reached out to the organizer of the exhibition, Asya Zakatova, who stated that she only received news of the event's cancellation from representatives of the Kazan Expo yesterday. At this time, it is unknown who made the decision to cancel the event. However, Zakatova is certain that media attention and negative publicity played a role in the cancellation of the exhibition.


Asya Zakatova stated that the event had already been held in St. Petersburg for seven years prior to this.


A representative from the State Duma proposes cancelling electronic cigarette exhibitions.


Earlier, Yaroslav Nilov, a deputy of the State Duma from the LDPR party, strongly advocated for the cancellation of an exhibition. He appealed to the Mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, requesting assistance in prohibiting the display of electronic cigarettes and their advertisement during the exhibition.


According to him, representatives of leaders from Tartarstan contacted him later and expressed their concern about the increasing scale of youth use of electronic cigarettes.


After the cancellation of the e-cigarette exhibition, he did not hide his satisfaction. "This is the right decision," he thanked and welcomed the cancellation announcement and hoped that other regions would follow the example of the leader of Tatarstan.


The World Expo in Kazan has declined to comment on the matter.


Topic: The Progress of Russia's Ban on E-Cigarette Flavors and Expert Interpretation (Click on the image below to jump)


Expert Analysis Series:


Expert analysis 1: The Russian ban on flavored e-cigarettes applies to all e-cigarette products, with specific additive standards yet to be disclosed.


Expert Analysis 2: Russia sets minimum retail price for e-cigarette products to reduce demand for nicotine products.


Expert analysis 3: Russian proposal suggests banning online sales and in-store displays of electronic cigarettes, to be effective starting June 1st.


Related reading:


Nicotine product manufacturers in Russia must apply for a license under a new bill that passed its first reading.


In one day, bill passes three readings: Timeline and background of Russian taste ban.


On September 1st, Russia's ban on flavored additives in electronic cigarettes will go into effect. The full proposal is included in the fourth article. On April 11th, the proposal to ban flavored electronic cigarettes will undergo its first discussion in Russia.


Russia proposes a maximum fine of 500,000 rubles for selling e-cigarettes to minors.


What is the progress of the ban on certain flavors in Russia's legislative process? Here's a breakdown of the legislative process in Russia.


References:


Tatarstan is the region with the highest smoking rates in Russia...": authorities have expelled vapers and hookah smokers from the "Kazan Expo" venue.



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.

KT&G’s Lil Strengthens Market Lead in Korea as Heated Tobacco Share Reaches 47.4%
KT&G’s Lil Strengthens Market Lead in Korea as Heated Tobacco Share Reaches 47.4%
According to South Korea’s UpKorea, KT&G’s heated tobacco brand Lil reached a 47.4% share of Korea’s heated tobacco stick market in the first quarter of 2026. The company is expanding its next-generation products (NGP) business through product development, technology investment and overseas growth. KT&G reported NGP sales of 890.1 billion won (approximately US$650 million) in 2025, up significantly from 279.3 billion won in 2020. Lil products are now available in 34 markets, while KT&G continues building its technology portfolio through patents and multiple product platforms.
Jul.23
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
In H1 2026, China’s HS 24041100 exports stood at $1.32 million, down 14.3% YoY, with volume falling 17.2% to 55.33 tons. Market distribution shifted drastically amid overall export drops. Exports to Russia and Belarus totaled $1 million, taking 76.0% of all shipments versus 29.5% in H1 2025. Belarus became the top destination with export value jumping 177.5%, while the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia’s combined share slumped from 49.3% to 11.2%.Domestically, Yunnan led exporter registrations; Jiangsu and Shanghai were key suppliers, yet Anhui and Sichuan had no exports. Heavy concentration means order or declaration changes for Russia/Belarus greatly affect national aggregate data. The data shows customs entry points (not end markets), covering tobacco consumables only, excluding heating equipment and the complete HTP supply chain.
Aug.11
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that Liu Sanjiang, deputy head and Party group member of China’s tobacco regulator, led a delegation to Laos from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026, for discussions with Lao authorities on combating cross-border illegal tobacco trade. The two sides discussed areas including law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and efforts to address tobacco-related illegal activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling. The visit highlights cooperation between Chinese and Lao authorities on illicit tobacco control.
News
Aug.05
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
The UK Department of Health and Social Care published new guidance on Aug. 11 outlining the next phase of retail rules under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which will take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The measures extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and consumer nicotine products and restrict proxy purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts. Relevant offences in England, Wales and Scotland may carry a £200 fixed penalty notice, while persistent offenders can face temporary sales bans.
Aug.12