Russia Considers Tightening Regulations on E-Cigarette Sales

Apr.26.2023
Russia Considers Tightening Regulations on E-Cigarette Sales
Russia's Ministry of Health supports tightening laws on e-cigarette sales to minors and banning flavor additives.

On April 25th, according to a report by TASS, Russia's Deputy Minister of Health Oleg Salagay has backed stricter laws governing the sale of electronic cigarettes. This includes a ban on the sale of all types of e-cigarettes, including those without nicotine, to minors as well as a ban on flavor additives in e-cigarettes.


The Ministry of Health supports a ban on selling electronic cigarettes to minors.


Sarah Gai, speaking at the federal committee on social policy, emphasized two points. Firstly, these products have rapidly gained popularity worldwide, mainly due to their taste, appeal, and technology, while often harming young people and minors. Therefore, the proposed law has received support, representing a significant step forward in this direction.


He emphasized that after the law is passed, the government will have the authority to approve a list of substances that "increase the appeal of electronic cigarettes.


A new regulation has been implemented that prohibits the sale of e-cigarette oils that contain flavoring agents or increased addictive properties of nicotine (including oils that are nicotine-free) as well as substances that enhance the appeal of these products.


The list of additives and substances will be determined by the Russian government. The ban and the authority to determine the list of additives by the government will take effect on September 1, 2023.


These corresponding modifications will be written into the law that aims to protect citizens from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and the effects of smoking or using nicotine-containing products.


The law also defines nicotine-free e-liquid as "any e-liquid that contains no nicotine or contains nicotine at a concentration of less than 0.1 milligrams per milliliter, which is used in devices meant for inhaling nicotine-containing products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes).


On April 26, the Russian law regulating the sale of electronic cigarettes will be submitted for review to the federal commission. If the bill is passed by the commission, it will be sent to the Russian presidential administration for the president's approval. If the president finds the law to be in accordance with national regulations, he will sign it into law. If the bill is not vetoed after being signed, it will be published in the government's official bulletin and become effective within 10 days of that announcement.


It is noteworthy that if the president vetoes the bill, the State Duma can resubmit it by amending the draft.


Expanding Read: Composition and Powers of the Federal Council of Russia


According to sources, the Russian Federation Council consists of a total of 208 members, of which 178 are representatives from the various regions of Russia (with each of the 89 regions sending two representatives), while the remaining 30 members are appointed by the President of the Russian Federation.


In the legislative field, the Federal Council is subordinate to the State Duma. Any law must first be submitted to the State Duma, and can only be reviewed by the Federal Council after it has been approved by the State Duma.


When the laws passed by the State Duma are under consideration, the Federal Council has no authority to modify them, but can approve or reject the entire law. A federal law receives approval if more than half of all members of parliament vote in favor or if the Federal Council does not deliberate on it within fourteen days. In such cases, the law is considered passed by the Federal Council.


If a federal law is vetoed by the federal commission, the House of Representatives can establish a mediation committee to resolve any disagreements that have arisen. Afterwards, the federal law will be reviewed again by the national Duma.


If the State Duma disagrees with the decision of the Federal Assembly, then in the second vote, at least two-thirds of the total number of State Duma representatives must vote in favor of the federal law for it to be considered passed.


2FIRSTS will continue to monitor progress on the bill. Stay tuned for updates.


Related reading:


1. "2FIRSTS Market Research: Only White Marketed and Forced Transformation - What is the State of the Russian E-Cigarette Market under Strong Regulatory Signals?" 2. "Exclusive Interview with Russian Nicotine Producer: Compliant Regulatory Trends are Irreversible, Comprehensive Ban on E-Cigarettes is Not Possible.


Experts interpret Russia's tobacco industry "mandatory license" with attached legal text.


Russian "Honest Label" Operational Company Responds to "Additive Ban" Proposal: Electronic Cigarettes Still Subject to Mandatory Labeling Constraints.


The deadline for "honest labeling" approaches, as the Russian market for disposable e-cigarettes is busy liquidating stock.


Topic: Updates on Russia's ban on flavored electronic cigarettes and expert insights (click on the image below to be redirected)


Reference:


The Ministry of Health supports the law prohibiting the sale of all vapes to minors.


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