Russian Government Initiates Strict Crackdown on E-Cigarettes Ban Substances

According to the Russian media outlet "Businessman's Gazette" on May 15, the government is planning to launch a comprehensive crackdown on e-cigarettes. The country will prohibit e-liquids containing flavors, food additives, and dietary supplements. The Ministry of Health has prepared a list of substances aimed at increasing the attractiveness of e-cigarettes. If implemented, only liquid containing nicotine will continue to be sold.

The list of banned substances was developed by a multi-departmental working group that includes doctors, scientists, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the State Duma. Sources believe that substances "aimed at increasing the attractiveness of e-cigarettes" include food additives, dietary supplements, food flavors and seasoning chemicals, natural and synthetic sugars, drugs and medicinal plant extracts, as well as additives "approved for cosmetics fragrances and dyes" that "increase nicotine addiction." The contents of this list include nicotine derivatives, tobacco alkaloids, organic acids, ethanol, cocoa beans, licorice, ammonium, ammonia, and more.

Therefore, only liquid containing nicotine, distilled glycerin (purity of at least 94%), and propylene glycol (purity of at least 95%) will continue to be legally sold after government approval.

Explanatory notes point out that the purpose of the ban is to "reduce the consumption and distribution of nicotine products among the population, particularly young people." The author of the document referenced international research indicating that the smell of aerosol inhalants is the primary factor driving young people to choose e-cigarettes. Minors tend to prefer e-cigarettes with candy, gum, coffee, mint, and cherry flavors, while adult consumers prefer tobacco-flavored liquids.

The use of flavorings and food additives has created a false sense of safety for electronic nicotine delivery devices. Their use is "associated with exposure to high levels of ultrafine particles and other toxins," which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic lung conditions.

Yaroslav Nilov, the chairman of the parliamentary committee on labor, social policy, and veterans' affairs, emphasized that even nicotine-free e-liquid is harmful because it contains ingredients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings, and thickening agents.

Lev Grigoriev, Chairman of the Professional Alliance of Russian Electronic Nicotine Systems (PAURRENS), estimates that the e-cigarette audience in Russia is around 10 million people. Additionally, there are 5 million people who exclusively use e-cigarettes, and another 5 million who use other nicotine-containing products. These individuals are primarily young people aged 18 to 35 years old.

He acknowledged, "Considering we are talking about new innovative products, this is expected. Classic smokers are typically elderly." Lev Grigoryev reminded that selling nicotine-containing products to minors is prohibited, similar to tobacco and alcohol. Experts believe that by utilizing existing control and supervision mechanisms, the chances of minors using e-cigarettes can be reduced.