Russia's Astrakhan Proposes Ban on Nicotine-Containing E-cigarettes

According to the Russian media outlet Astrakhan's report on January 4th, the regional council of Astrakhan, Russia, has proposed a complete ban on nicotine-containing cigarettes, nicotine e-liquids, and related smoking devices. The latest update reveals that the proposal has garnered support from the Russian Federal Ministry of Health.

The Russian Ministry of Health emphasized that the use of e-cigarettes will increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and cancer. The likelihood of developing asthma will increase by 30%, while the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will increase by 75%.

In the Astrakhan region, all levels of government are actively combating harmful habits for young people. As early as the beginning of 2020, the local council passed a regional law prohibiting the sale of nicotine products to minors. In July of the same year, a nationwide law came into effect banning the sale of tobacco, nicotine products, hookah, and the use of tobacco or nicotine products by minors.

The chairman of the local council, Igor Martynov, has highlighted that despite measures being taken, the use of smoking alternatives such as e-cigarettes is still on the rise. As a result, local representatives have proposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, aiming to safeguard children from the detrimental effects of harmful dependencies to the greatest extent possible.

Five years ago, the Russian government approved a policy framework aimed at combating the use of vaping and other nicotine-containing products by 2035. Last year, the government implemented a combination of measures to strengthen control over the production and distribution of nicotine e-liquid, which is used in nicotine consumption devices. According to the document, current laws require some amendments.

The sale of nicotine products aimed at minors has been prohibited in Russia. According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Health, responding to the Astrakhan regional council, they expressed that "in the 'bundle of measures,' the sale of nicotine e-liquids and related devices should also be prohibited.