Russian Authorities Seize Unlabeled Tobacco Products Worth 50 Million RUB

Apr.20.2023
Russian Authorities Seize Unlabeled Tobacco Products Worth 50 Million RUB
Russian authorities seize illegal tobacco products valued at $5 million without honest labelling. Criminal proceedings underway.

On April 20th, 2FIRSTS received information from the Russian Nizhny Novgorod Union that a shipment of imported tobacco products without "honest labels" had been seized in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia. The estimated value of the products involved is around 50 million rubles (approximately 4.22 million yuan).


It has been reported that customs officials have seized a total of 74,000 individual packages, including items such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco products, and shisha mixtures.


The customs department has filed a criminal lawsuit under Article 171.1 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code (storage and sale of unmarked tobacco products), and the case is currently under further investigation.


Relevant regulations:


Starting on March 1, according to regulations from the Russian government, businesses involved in the wholesale importation of electronic cigarettes must upload retail information about their products into the Honest Label system. The policy buffer period for implementing honest labeling on the wholesale end in Russia will end on April 1. At that point, electronic cigarette products without labels will not be allowed to pass through Russian customs.


Further Reading:


1. 2Firsts Market Research: Only White Brands Accepted, Forced Transformation - What is Happening in the Russian E-cigarette Market Under Strict Regulation? 2. Exclusive Interview with Russian Nicotine Manufacturer: Compliance Regulations are Irreversible, Full Ban on E-cigarettes is Impossible.


Experts Interpretation of Russia's "Compulsory Licensing" in the Tobacco Industry, with Relevant Legal Texts Included.


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 rushes to clear inventory.


Reference:


Illegal Migrant Worth 50 Million Seized.


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.

Melaka Cracks Down on Unlicensed Vape Retailers with Fines and Seizures
Melaka Cracks Down on Unlicensed Vape Retailers with Fines and Seizures
Melaka’s local authorities are intensifying enforcement against unlicensed e-cigarette retailers by issuing notices, imposing fines, and seizing illegal products. State executive councillor Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said only premises meeting the required conditions will be granted trading licences under the Licensing of Trades (Local Authorities) By-Laws 2010.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | NEXA FLEX Releases “Built in the USA” Version, Says All Flavors Are Tailored for Adult U.S. Users
Product | NEXA FLEX Releases “Built in the USA” Version, Says All Flavors Are Tailored for Adult U.S. Users
NEXA has introduced a disposable e-cigarette, NEXA FLEX, which is promoted as “Built in the USA,” highlighting domestic production and flavors developed for adult U.S. vaping consumers. The device retains features such as a transparent e-liquid chamber, Normal/Turbo dual modes, and up to 40,000 puffs, and is scheduled to launch in late November in Texas. Other brands, including SKE and FASTA, have also recently released products labeled as “Made in the USA” or “U.S.-assembled.”
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Schools Enhance Anti-E-cigarette Education with Scenario Discussions and Scientific Evidence
Singapore Schools Enhance Anti-E-cigarette Education with Scenario Discussions and Scientific Evidence
Singapore schools are ramping up anti-vaping education through Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) and science lessons. Classes now use scenario-based discussions—for example, a friend asking you to hide their vape during a random bag check—to help students practise refusal, empathy and seeking help safely.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Morrisons Partners with Vape Retailer to Open Concessions in 400+ Stores
Morrisons Partners with Vape Retailer to Open Concessions in 400+ Stores
According to The Grocer, Morrisons has reached an agreement with The E-Cig Store to open vaping concessions in more than 400 supermarkets. The first unit will open next month in Rotherham. The deal will expand compliant vaping product offerings and follows Morrisons’ ongoing cooperation with rival retailer VPZ.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scandinavian Tobacco Group Reports Q3 2025 Results and Narrows Full-Year Guidance
Scandinavian Tobacco Group Reports Q3 2025 Results and Narrows Full-Year Guidance
Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) reported net sales of DKK 2.4 billion for Q3 2025, in line with last year. EBITDA before special items reached DKK 519 million with a 22.0% margin. Handmade Cigars and Next Generation Products saw organic growth, while Machine-Rolled Cigars and Smoking Tobacco declined. The company narrowed its full-year guidance.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation|U.S. Launches Largest-Ever Vape Enforcement Drive as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Regulations
2Firsts Observation|U.S. Launches Largest-Ever Vape Enforcement Drive as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Regulations
The U.S. has tightened vaping regulations nationwide. The DOJ, FDA, CBP and DEA seized millions of illegal devices in the largest-ever enforcement action. Several states introduced new laws with registries, packaging limits, and criminal penalties, signaling a shift toward institutionalized regulation and higher compliance costs.
Oct.17