Russian lawmakers propose total ban on e-cigarette sales, in response to Putin's call for protection of youth health

Key Points

• Legislative Action – A group of State Duma deputies has introduced amendments proposing a full ban on the sale, distribution, and circulation of e-cigarettes and vaping liquids.
  • Lead Sponsors – Yaroslav Nilov, Dmitry Gusev, Yana Lantratova, Nina Ostanina and Dmitry Svishchev are among the lawmakers backing the initiative.
  • Content of Amendments – A comprehensive ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and liquids, with tougher penalties for illegal trade and for involving minors in nicotine use.
  • Political Context – The proposal aligns with President Vladimir Putin’s previously expressed support for a nationwide vape ban.
  • Inter-committee Review – The draft has been forwarded to three inter-factional working groups on moral values, Christian legislation, and public health.
  • Government Comment – Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko’s office stated that regional pilot programs may test a retail ban to assess effectiveness.

 2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — According to RIA Novosti, a group of Russian State Duma deputies has submitted amendments calling for a complete ban on the sale, distribution, and circulation of e-cigarettes and vape liquids, which have now been forwarded to relevant working groups for review.

The initiative was introduced by Yaroslav Nilov (Chair of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy), Dmitry Gusev (First Deputy Chair of the Oversight Committee), Yana Lantratova (Chair of the Committee on Civil and Religious Affairs), Nina Ostanina (Chair of the Committee on Family and Motherhood Protection), and Dmitry Svishchev (First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Sports).

The text of the amendments proposes a total ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and related liquids, along with harsher penalties for illegal trade and for involving minors in the use of nicotine products.

The document has been submitted to three inter-factional working groups led by Anna Kuznetsova, Pyotr Tolstoy, and Sholban Kara-ool, which focus on traditional values, Christian legislation, and public health.

Gusev said the proposal aims to secure cross-party support, calling it “a matter of children’s safety and national health.” Lantratova added that e-cigarettes have been “falsely marketed as a safe alternative” and that only a full ban can solve the problem.

President Vladimir Putin has previously endorsed a nationwide vape ban. Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov said that the government has prepared draft amendments allowing regions to impose retail vape bans, while Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko noted that some regions could implement such bans experimentally to evaluate their impact.

Image source: RIA Novosti