Legal Measures in Russia to Combat Illegal Online Tobacco Sales

Apr.09

Russia blocks website selling tobacco and e-cigarettes, citing risks for underage buyers, enforcing strict regulations on nicotine products.

Key points of interest:

Russia has blocked a website that illegally sold tobacco products and e-cigarettes through legal means, limiting online sales channels.
Minors purchasing tobacco products risk court intervention.
Russia has implemented regulations banning the online sale of nicotine products since 2021, and will further restrict the public display and sale of nicotine consumption devices such as e-cigarettes starting from June 1, 2024.

According to Business-gazeta on April 8th, the Russian consumer rights protection and public supervision agency has legally blocked a website based in Kazan that sells cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products online. This action was taken as the website was accused of potentially making it easy for minors to access such products, leading to a court case.

The consumer rights protection agency has filed a lawsuit against the Vashtov District Court, pointing out that during the online purchasing process, sellers were unable to verify the age of the buyers, increasing the risk of minors obtaining e-cigarettes and cigarettes. Ultimately, the court supported the agency's request, and currently, access to the website in question has been restricted.

Starting from January 28, 2021, Russia implemented regulations prohibiting the sale of nicotine products and their use devices on the Internet. On July 31 of the same year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the sale to minors and the use of e-cigarettes, e-cigarette devices, and other nicotine-containing products in public places. This move aims to comprehensively restrict the circulation of nicotine products.

Starting from June 1, 2024, Russia officially implemented a law banning the public display and sale of e-cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and other nicotine consumption devices, as well as restricting their sale at markets, exhibitions, and vending machines.

Main image source：business-gazeta

References:

[1] Роспотребнадзор по РТ заблокировал сайт по онлайн-продаже сигарет и вейпов

Also Read:

[1] The Controversy Surrounding the Potential Ban on E-Cigarettes

[2] Potential Ban on E-cigarette Sales in Russia Sparks Concern

[3] Russian State Duma passes bill to ban online tobacco sales

[4] Russian lawmakers call for inspection of e-cigarette and tobacco kiosks

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