Russia Implements License System for Tobacco Products

On June 14th, according to a report by Russia Today, Sergei Katasanov, co-chair of the Russian State Duma Expert Committee on tobacco, discussed the key elements of the "Law on State Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Product Production and Distribution" in an interview.

Katasunov explained that, similarly to the alcohol market, tobacco products will also be subject to a licensing system.

He said:

Tobacco raw materials and leaves imports will be subject to license management. This means that companies must obtain a license and carry out production, storage, and other operations in accordance with the requirements of the license. Afterwards, the relevant authorities will conduct inspections.

He stated that these requirements would apply to all imported products, including e-cigarette products. The law will not affect prices, but it will help to crack down on grey imports and smuggled products.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a law that introduced national regulation of the production and distribution of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, similar to the regulation in the alcoholic beverage market.

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Russian State Duma Deputy, Katasonov, believes that the law regulating the tobacco market will help combat the issue of illegal imports.