PUFFMI's Strategy and Trends in Russia's E-Cigarette Market

Jun.17.2023
PUFFMI's Strategy and Trends in Russia's E-Cigarette Market
The PUFFMI brand showcased their large capacity, disposable e-cigarette products at the Russian trade show, catering to growing demand.

Special Statement:


This article is intended for internal industry research and communication purposes only and does not endorse any specific brand or product. Access is prohibited for minors.


At 12:00 Moscow time (17:00 Beijing time), the e-cigarette exhibition in Moscow, Russia's Crocus Expo exhibition center, opened. The event attracted numerous industry professionals, vendors, and consumers.


At the exhibition, 2FIRSTS conducted an exclusive interview with Songyu Yin, the regional sales representative of e-cigarette brand PUFFMI in Russia. He shared his insights on the Russian market and the brand strategy on behalf of the renowned e-cigarette brand PUFFMI.


The number of people expressing their opinions loudly is a trend.


At the exhibition, PUFFMI showcased their disposable e-cigarette products with a high mouth count, including options with 9,000 and 7,000 puffs.


Yin Songyu stated that these products have received very positive feedback. According to him, these products with oversized mouthpieces will hit the market in early July. Currently, PUFFMI has introduced disposable products with 4000 and 5000 mouthpieces in the Russian market, but still lacks products with even larger mouthpieces.


Yin Songyu pointed out that there is a growing demand among Russian consumers for large-sized disposable e-cigarette products. This trend seems to differ greatly from the mainstream e-cigarette consumer markets in Europe and the United States, where the focus is not on high numbers but on other factors.


The exhibit items showcased at the PUFFMI booth | Photo source: 2FIRSTS


Yin Songyu analyzed that first of all, in products with a small price gap, this type of product has a higher cost-effectiveness.


Furthermore, many consumers do not like to frequent physical stores for their purchases. They prefer to make a one-time purchase of a high-capacity e-cigarette.


This will be a trend in Russia.


Large numbers are still a trend.


Chasing the pod system.


In Russia, where disposable products are already the norm, major e-cigarette manufacturers are now focusing on developing pod systems. This shift is being driven by both economic and regulatory factors.


Yin Songyu candidly acknowledged that most mainstream Russian brands are pushing for the development of refillable products, as the tobacco stick itself is not subject to taxation. Compared to the e-liquid excise tax of 20 rubles per milliliter for disposable products, refillable products can achieve lower costs in the future. Additionally, given the increasingly stringent regulatory trend, this means that refillable products have greater potential in terms of market growth.


Tourists walk past the promotional image at the PUFFMI booth | Image source: 2FIRSTS


About 90% of the products on the market are considered to be in a gray zone.


He believes that a complete ban on flavored e-cigarettes is unlikely based on the series of regulations regarding e-cigarette passed by the National Duma. As for the list of additives and substances, he thinks that only the use of some harmful substances may be banned.


The new brand showcased at the PUFFMI booth | Image source: 2FIRSTS


The recent new policies have led to an increase in demand for Bai Guan products in the Russian market, and legalization of the market would be advantageous for the PUFFMI brand. Yin Songyu stated that the brand is anticipating the legalization of the market, as most of the current market is made up of illegal products.


Ninety percent of the products are mediocre.


He highlighted that the ratio between white tariffs and grey tariffs would be adjusted based on market demand.


It is worth mentioning that PUFFMI brand does not engage in online sales in the Russian market, but instead relies on offline sales channels.


Finally, Yin Songyu expressed confidence in PUFFMI's potential in the Russian market and has high hopes for the future development of the PUFFMI brand in Russia.



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.

Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
DOJO launched the BLAST10K Fresh in the UK on September 4, 2026, introducing its INSTA-JUICED™ technology and a new 0+10ml structure that keeps e-liquid separated from the coil before activation. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology and SSS leak-resistant technology, with a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. It also retains compatibility with existing 2+8ml pods across the BLAST ecosystem. The launch introduces eight new flavors, including Matcha Strawberry, which DOJO describes as an industry first.
Market
Sep.04
UK Directors Banned After 352,688 Vapes Imported From China Were Misdeclared as Medical Nebulizers in £15 Million Tax Case
UK Directors Banned After 352,688 Vapes Imported From China Were Misdeclared as Medical Nebulizers in £15 Million Tax Case
The UK Insolvency Service said YSK Enterprises imported large quantities of vapes from China in 2023, with a shipment addressed to the company declared as medical nebulizers before Border Force found 352,688 vaping products. HMRC calculated nearly £15 million ($20.3 million) in unpaid VAT and customs duty, alongside about £437,000 in corporation tax. Two directors were disqualified for nine years. The case predates the UK's Vaping Products Duty, which will introduce vape-specific excise and duty-stamp requirements from October 2026.
Regulations
Sep.11
2Firsts Data|China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 3.3% in August 2026 as UK Shipments Jumped 51.4% and U.S. Exports Fell 12.4%
2Firsts Data|China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 3.3% in August 2026 as UK Shipments Jumped 51.4% and U.S. Exports Fell 12.4%
China exported $979 million of vape-related products in August 2026, up 3.3% from a year earlier but down 6.4% from July. The UK replaced the U.S. as the main source of growth: UK-bound shipments jumped 51.4% to a 2026 high of $177 million, while exports to the U.S. fell 12.4% to $339 million. Shipments to markets outside the U.S. increased 14.2%, broadening growth beyond the market that had driven July’s rebound.
News
Sep.23 by 2Firsts Perspectives
India Steps Up Nicotine Pouch Enforcement as ZYN, White Fox Circulate and Drug Panel Urges Halt to New Nicotine Formulations
India Steps Up Nicotine Pouch Enforcement as ZYN, White Fox Circulate and Drug Panel Urges Halt to New Nicotine Formulations
India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed states to step up enforcement against nicotine pouch sales, citing increased availability through online and offline channels and concern about nicotine exposure among children. Reuters reported that international brands including ZYN and White Fox are being sold in India. A study led by ICMR-NICPR found pouches in seven of 10 surveyed locations and identified 68 brands and 445 flavors online. Separately, India's Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended in August that no new nicotine formulation be approved.
Regulations
Sep.28 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
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing a high street reform agenda that could give local authorities greater powers over commercial activity, including vape retail. The reforms could involve expanded planning powers and a potential vape retail licensing system, allowing councils to play a larger role in store locations and market access. The measures are part of the UK’s broader shift toward tighter vape regulation, although no nationwide vape retail restrictions have yet been implemented.
Aug.11