Russia to Enforce Laws Restricting E-Cigarette Sales to Minors

According to the meeting agenda posted on the Federal Commission website, the Russian Federal Commission will consider two laws on April 26th.

Bill to prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors; bill to increase fines for selling nicotine products to minors.

On April 11th, a new law passed the Russian State Duma through three rounds of voting, receiving 408 votes in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention. The law prohibits the use of flavored additives and nicotine-enhancing substances in e-liquids, as well as setting minimum prices for nicotine-containing products. Additionally, the law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes in markets, exhibitions, bulk transportation, online sales, and vending machines.

The bill also stipulates that electronic cigarettes can only be sold in retail stores and prohibits their public display to limit underage access to information about these products. Discounts are also prohibited when selling electronic cigarettes. Additionally, advertising the use of electronic cigarettes containing nicotine is prohibited.

The second law stipulates that citizens who sell cigarettes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or other nicotine-containing products to minors will face fines ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles (currently 20,000 to 40,000 rubles); officials will face fines ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 rubles (currently 40,000 to 70,000 rubles); and legal entities will face fines ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 rubles (currently 150,000 to 300,000 rubles).

In addition, fines for minors caught smoking will be increased, with fines for citizens raised from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles to 2,000 to 5,000 rubles. If the offense is committed by a child's parent or guardian, the fine will be increased from the current 2,000 to 3,000 rubles to 5,000 to 7,000 rubles.

An explanatory statement says, "According to the provisions of the draft code, the power to review cases of administrative crimes should be granted to the federal administrative agency responsible for health supervision." Amendments were made to articles 14.53 and 6.23 of the Russian Federation's Code of Administrative Offences.

Expert analysis series:

Expert analysis 1: The Russian flavor ban applies to all electronic cigarette products, with specific additive standards yet to be disclosed.

Expert analysis 2: Russia sets lowest retail prices for e-cigarette products to reduce demand for nicotine-based products.

Topic: Progress and Expert Analysis of the Ban on Flavored Electronic Cigarettes in Russia (Click the Image Below to View)

Related Reading:

What is the current status of the ban on flavored tobacco products in Russia's legislative process?

In one day, the timeline and background of Russia's ban on certain tastes were outlined as the bill passed the third reading.

On September 1st, the ban on flavor additives in e-cigarettes in Russia will come into effect. The full proposal is attached. On April 11th, the proposal to ban flavored e-cigarettes will have its first discussion in Russia.

Russia proposes maximum fine of 500,000 rubles for selling e-cigarettes to minors.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is considering a ban on electronic cigarettes.

References:

The San Francisco City Council will consider a law on April 26 that would ban the sale of vaping products to minors.