Russian State Duma Health Committee Calls for Full Ban on Domestic E-Cigarette Production and Sales

Key points:

1.The State Duma Health Committee of Russia has proposed a complete ban on the production of e-cigarettes.

2.Although sales to minors are prohibited, the use of e-cigarettes remains high among underage individuals.

3.The committee is calling for stricter regulation of sales and production.

According to Russian media Vesti, the Health Committee of the Russian State Duma has suggested a complete ban on the production of e-cigarettes in Russia. This recommendation was disclosed by the Chairman of the Health Committee, Sergey Leonov, during a program on "Russian Radio.

Leonov stated that despite the current ban on selling e-cigarettes to minors, there are still cases of underage individuals using e-cigarettes. Therefore, he believes it is necessary to completely ban the production of e-cigarettes in Russia. He further pointed out that the government has been making efforts to regulate this issue, but the committee believes that the sale and production of e-cigarettes should be completely banned.

Previously, Leonov had suggested implementing licensing regulations for companies selling e-cigarettes.

Starting from February 14, 2025, a revision to the law in Russia regarding the sale of e-cigarettes to minors has officially come into effect. According to the new law, fines for selling hookahs, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and products or materials containing nicotine to minors can reach up to two million rubles ($25,000).

According to public news reports, the Health Committee is a subsidiary organization of the national Duma, with its primary mission and goal being to uphold the priority status of health protection in national policy.

In order to raise funds for healthcare: The committee is focusing on fundraising issues in this field. For example, through the efforts of the committee, the federal healthcare budget increased by 1 billion rubles in 1998.

·Developing the "Healthcare Code": The strategic goal of the committee is to develop a code based on the "Russian Federation Healthcare System Law". 

·Addressing crisis situations: The committee recognizes that there is a crisis in the national health and healthcare sector, and holds meetings in the most difficult areas to provide assistance.

On November 26, 2024, the Lower House meeting unanimously approved the appointment of Leonov as the Chairman of the State Duma Health Protection Committee with the support of 402 representatives.