Russian State Duma Passes Ban on Tobacco and Vape Sales at Public Transport Stops

Key Points

• Russia’s State Duma approved a ban on selling cigarettes and vapes at transport stops;
• The measure expands existing tobacco sales restrictions at transport facilities;
• Exemptions apply in small settlements under specific conditions;
• The law enters into force on September 1, 2026;
• Russia continues to advance broader vape control measures nationwide.

2Firsts, December 18,2025 – According to the State Duma’s electronic database, Russia’s lower house of parliament has adopted, in its third reading, a law banning the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at public transport stops.

The initiative expands existing restrictions that prohibit the sale of tobacco products at transport infrastructure facilities, including railway stations, airports, ports, and metro stations.

State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said public transport stops are areas with high concentrations of people, and sales of cigarettes and vapes at such locations increase accessibility, especially for young people, while also raising the risk of passive smoking for children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

The amendments were introduced to the law on protecting citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke and the consequences of tobacco and nicotine-containing product use. They were developed by lawmakers from the Legislative Duma of Khabarovsk Krai and submitted to the State Duma in May, passing the first reading on October 21.

During revisions ahead of the second reading, the amendments were adjusted to account for the interests of residents in small settlements. The ban will not apply if a kiosk at a transport stop is the only point of sale for cigarettes and vapes in the town or settlement.

The law will come into force on September 1, 2026.

Earlier this month, additional amendments proposing a complete ban on vapes and nicotine-containing liquids in Russia were submitted to the State Duma. Russia currently bans the sale of vapes and related liquids to minors. In February 2025, President Vladimir Putin signed a law increasing fines for selling vapes to children, with companies facing penalties of up to 2 million rubles (approximately US$22,000). In early November, Putin expressed support for a nationwide ban on vape sales, and in late August approved granting regions the authority to impose full bans on electronic vaporizers.

Image credit: Andrey Lyubimov / RBC