Russian Authorities Seize Unlabeled Tobacco Products Worth 50 Million RUB

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.