Russia Proposes Transfer of Tobacco Market Regulation to Treasury Department

Apr.23.2023
Russia Proposes Transfer of Tobacco Market Regulation to Treasury Department
Russia proposes transferring authority to regulate tobacco and nicotine products market to the Finance Ministry, according to recent reports.

Recently, according to a decision on the website of the Russian Federation's regulation information disclosure portal (www.regulation.gov.ru), the authority for regulating the tobacco and tobacco products market in Russia may be transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Tax Service to the Ministry of Finance.


According to this document, the Ministry of Finance will be authorized to formulate national policies for the production and sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, as well as regulate the industry.


Furthermore, the document suggests that Russia's alcohol regulatory agency should be restructured into the Federal Bureau for Alcohol and Tobacco Market Regulation, with the authority to license the production and sale of tobacco products and enforce regulations in the industry. In this scenario, the restructured agency would maintain a registry of licenses for the production and sale of such products.


According to the documents, taking these measures would require additional budget allocations to expand regulatory measures in the alcohol industry and increase the number of staff members.


Earlier, the Russian media outlet Parliament Gazette reported that there may be a new regulatory body in Russia responsible for overseeing the sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco.


Georgy Golovanov, Deputy Minister of Finance in Russia, has announced that their department plans to implement two information systems. One of these systems, the Unified State Automated Information System (EGIS), is already in use for registration in the Russian Federation. The other system will be used to monitor goods that require compulsory marking.


Related Reading:


【1】Market research by 2FIRSTS: Only accepting white labels, forced to transform - What is the state of the Russian e-cigarette market under stringent regulation? 【2】Exclusive interview with Russian nicotine producers: Compliance with regulatory trends is irreversible, a complete ban on e-cigarettes is unlikely.


Experts explain Russia's "mandatory licensing" in the tobacco industry, with relevant legal texts attached.


Russian "Honest Label" operating company responds to "additive ban" proposal: e-cigarettes still subject to mandatory labeling restrictions.


The deadline for "honest labeling" approaches as the Russian disposable e-cigarette market works to clear its stock.


Reference:


The regulation of the tobacco market has been suggested to be handed over to the Ministry of Finance.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
Jersey and Guernsey will enforce a full ban on disposable vapes from Saturday, 31 January 2026, making it illegal for shops to sell them after close of business. Online purchases shipped into the islands will also be targeted, with Guernsey’s Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink saying Customs will conduct checks and can seize imported disposables. Refillable vapes are not covered by the ban.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Says Flavored ENDS Must Show “Added Benefit” as Small Manufacturers Seek Clearer Switching Benchmarks
FDA Says Flavored ENDS Must Show “Added Benefit” as Small Manufacturers Seek Clearer Switching Benchmarks
During the FDA PMTA roundtable session on “Studies of Adult Benefit,” officials said flavored ENDS must demonstrate “added benefit” over tobacco-flavored products under the APPH standard, including sustained complete switching evidence. Small manufacturers questioned switching benchmarks, study duration, and bridging expectations.
Feb.11
Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
A vape retail company in Kuching, Malaysia, was fined RM20,000 (about USD 4,921.86) by the Magistrates’ Court on January 19, 2026, after pleading guilty to an offence under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The case concerned a poster displayed at the company’s premises on October 6, 2025, carrying the slogan “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY.”
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
Philip Morris International (PMI) said it has appointed Buena Barnes as general manager of its South Africa business, marking the first time a woman has held the role in the country. Barnes previously oversaw finance for Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked at GlaxoSmithKline South Africa and British American Tobacco South Africa.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai