The Russian government approved a bill requiring e-cigarette and cigarette sales to be licensed from March 2026

Key Points:

·Implementation time and scope: The Russian government has approved a bill submitted to the State Duma, requiring a license for wholesale, retail, and delivery sales of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in all scenarios starting from March 1, 2026. 

·Regulatory measures: Selling tobacco products in violation of the law may result in the revocation of trade licenses, and large-scale illegal trade may face criminal penalties. 

·System reference: The requirements for tobacco sales permits are modeled after the regulations for alcohol sales permits. 

·Progress of the bill and potential new provisions: The bill has been approved by the Government Legislative Activities Committee and submitted to the State Duma, with proposals for a second reading or new mandatory requirements such as limited retail space leasing terms and registration in the "honest label" system.

2Firsts, September 28, 2025 - According to Vedomosti's report on September 24th, the Russian government has approved a bill submitted to the State Duma, which requires a licensing system for the sale of cigarettes and e-cigarettes starting from March 1, 2026.

Government Office Director Dmitry Grigorenko stated that such regulations will help increase market transparency and reduce consumption of such products by teenagers. He pointed out that tobacco sales licensing requirements are similar to those for alcohol sales.

According to the government news department, wholesalers, retailers, and delivery sales all require licenses. However, if sellers violate regulations, such as selling cigarettes to minors, their necessary trade documents may be revoked. The government has proposed criminal penalties for large-scale illegal trading.

Previously, the Government Legislative Activities Committee had approved the submission of the bill to the State Duma. A representative from Grigoriev's office then pointed out that when the bill reaches the second reading in the State Duma, it may include a provision that allows for a permit to be obtained if the retail space lease term is less than 12 months (with the lease agreement requiring registration with the state). In addition, mandatory requirements may also include registration in the "Honest Label" system and compliance with prohibitions and restrictions outlined in health protection regulations.