Russia Successfully Closes 45 Illegal Tobacco Factories in 5 Years

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.13.2024
Russia Successfully Closes 45 Illegal Tobacco Factories in 5 Years
Russia successfully closed about 45 illegal tobacco factories in the past five years, implementing a strict labeling system for tobacco products.

According to the Russian media outlet Newsland.com, on May 12, the Russian government has cracked down on the tobacco market over the past five years, successfully closing approximately 45 illegal tobacco factories and fully implementing a tobacco product labeling system. This is to strengthen market supervision and ensure the legal production and sale of tobacco products.

 

The operator of the "Honesty Label" tagging system stated that in the context of introducing labels, increasing tax revenues, and legal production quantities in the industry, Russia has closed about 45 illegal tobacco factories in the past five years.

 

Mikhail Dubin, head of the Advanced Technology Development Center, stated in an interview with the Russian News Agency that the labeling of tobacco products in the Russian market began in 2019. The labeling codes apply to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, disposable e-cigarettes, and other products. During this period, the budget revenue from tobacco products has "more than doubled.

 

During the implementation of this system, the country closed 45 illegal tobacco factories and legalized 18 production facilities. In addition, Russia today may be one of the very few (if not the only) countries in the world where all tobacco factories have been legalized. Tobacco products are labeled strictly according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization," Düben said.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s new tobacco and nicotine framework marks a shift from prohibition toward registration, traceability and health surveillance. Argentine THR advocate Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and parts of the local commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain over flavor limits, registration costs and market access. The policy’s implementation may determine whether Argentina can move informal sales into regulated channels.
May.11
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Data|China Vape Exports Sink to Three-Year April Low After Tax Rebate Ends, Falling to $694 Million
2Firsts Data|China Vape Exports Sink to Three-Year April Low After Tax Rebate Ends, Falling to $694 Million
China’s e-cigarette export value declined to $694 million in April 2026, marking the lowest April level in the past three years. The data is notable because April was the first full month after China removed export VAT rebates for certain e-cigarette products. Compared with April 2025, export value fell 20.9%; compared with April 2024, it was down 22.3%. Month-on-month, exports dropped 23.2% from March 2026.
Special Report
May.23
KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G reports a 27.6% increase in Q1 operating profit, with traditional and new tobacco sectors driving growth.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT Chair Luc Jobin told shareholders at the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting that BAT delivered on its plans in 2025 despite a challenging external environment, with the U.S. business returning to growth, smokeless consumers increasing by more than 15%, improved New Categories contribution, and GBP 6.3 billion returned to shareholders.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Launches “Miix Cigar Collection” for lil Hybrid at Convenience Stores Nationwide
KT&G Launches “Miix Cigar Collection” for lil Hybrid at Convenience Stores Nationwide
KT&G said on April 15 that it will launch “Miix Cigar Collection,” a dedicated stick for its lil Hybrid heated tobacco product, at convenience stores nationwide in South Korea. The company said the product is the first in the Miix series to apply a “Balance Filter” with internal space in the filter and contains 18% cigar leaf to deliver cigar flavor. With the new launch, the Miix lineup for lil Hybrid will expand to 16 products.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai