Russia Passes Law Regulating Tobacco and Nicotine Products

On June 7th, according to a report from TASS, the Russian Federal Council has approved a bill aimed at improving national regulation of the production and distribution of tobacco products, nicotine-containing products and their raw materials. The bill establishes specialized monitoring and supervision of this industry.

The proposed legislation mandates a licensing system for the production and distribution of tobacco products, nicotine-containing products, and their raw materials. It also imposes requirements on production equipment, including national registration and storage, and monitors products and raw materials through an "honest labeling" system. Additionally, a dedicated government regulatory agency will be introduced to combat illegal production and distribution in this sector.

To prevent the illegal production of tobacco products, nicotine-containing products, and raw materials, it is suggested that their main technological equipment be mandatorily registered by the government. In order to monitor the production and circulation of tobacco products, a national goods circulation monitoring information system will be implemented and products that require mandatory identification will be tracked.

Illegally circulated or confiscated tobacco products, tobacco items, raw materials, packaging of nicotine-containing products, and labels will be removed and confiscated. They will be destroyed as per the court's decision. Production equipment will also be handled and disposed of after a court ruling.

This bill grants the Russian alcohol regulatory agency monitoring and supervisory powers over the production and circulation of tobacco products, tobacco items, nicotine-containing products, and their raw materials.

The exceptions to the labeling requirement include: samples and specimens used for evaluating compliance with Russian law and international standards; goods supplied to diplomats, consulates, and international organizations; and purchase information for goods considered to be state secrets. Individuals are allowed to bring tobacco and nicotine-containing products without labeling, but there are quantity limits of 200 cigarettes, 200 heated tobacco products (pods), 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco per person.

The bill proposes a phased implementation plan. Starting on September 1, 2023, license holders will be allowed to apply as required, including registering their primary technical equipment. From March 1, 2024, government regulation will begin, confiscating illegally sold products and enforcing regulations for equipment, production, and distribution.