Russia Considers Tobacco Regulation Laws at Parliament Meeting

On Thursday, March 9th, the Russian Federal Government's parliament discussed a tobacco industry regulatory bill and a package of related amendments, including criminal liability for the unauthorized production and sale of tobacco products.

The Federal Congress indicates that these proposed measures aim to reduce the illegal production and sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

The comprehensive regulatory bill was submitted to the government by the Ministry of Finance in July 2022, which includes:

A plan has been announced to establish a specialized regulatory department to oversee the production and distribution of tobacco products and materials within the framework of national law, taking inspiration from the national alcohol market regulatory model. The Ministry of Finance has emphasized that the current fragmented regulatory structure and federal laws within the tobacco industry have resulted in a lack of coordination in law enforcement efforts, leading to a rampant illegal market.

The document pertains to the production and importation permits for tobacco, but does not address retail permits. This regulation will eliminate the risk of "excessive administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as increasing the financial burden on regional governments of the Russian Federation.

Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation have established criminal liability for the production and sale of tobacco products without special permission, while amendments to the Administrative Law of the Russian Federation have established administrative measures for illegal activities within the tobacco industry, similar to alcohol regulation standards.

After receiving approval from the Federal Council, the comprehensive regulatory plan will be submitted to the State Duma.

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The government will discuss a package of draft laws on tobacco regulation based on the model used for alcohol regulation.