Russia's Proposal to Ban E-Cigarette Flavorings: Expert Analysis

Apr.12.2023
Russia's Proposal to Ban E-Cigarette Flavorings: Expert Analysis
Russian parliament approves proposal to ban flavored e-cigarettes with addictive substances, effective September 2023.

On April 11th, the Russian State Duma passed a proposal with over 90% of votes in favour, proposing modifications to certain legislative regulations in the Russian Federation. The proposal includes a ban on flavoured additives in e-cigarettes. The bill will now be submitted for review to the Russian Federal Assembly and awaits the President's signature.


After the proposal's approval, will the electronic cigarette market be able to sell products in Russia again? Can tobacco and mint-flavored e-cigarettes be sold? When will the transitional period end? These issues have attracted much attention. In light of this, Liang Jiasen, a researcher for 2FIRSTS' Russian market, provided a professional interpretation of the proposal.


Proposal details:


The government of the Russian Federation has the authority to ban the addition of substances that "increase the appeal and/or addictive nature of nicotine" in products containing liquid nicotine, non-nicotine liquid, and nicotine solution, including those used for electronic nicotine delivery devices. Manufacturers and sellers of these products are prohibited from adding such substances.


Firsts Decoded:


The proposal prohibits the production and sale of electronic cigarettes containing flavor additives and addictive substances such as nicotine, including products with and without nicotine. This essentially covers all vape e-liquids currently available in the market.


According to discussions at the Duma meeting, these additives and nicotine addiction substances mainly refer to the popular fruit-flavored and other stimulating flavors of e-cigarette liquids on the market. The specific additive standards are yet to be disclosed by the Russian federal government in the next step.


This part of the content will come into effect on September 1st, 2023.


Currently, it is still possible to sell electronic cigarettes in the Russian market. However, the issue of whether tobacco and mint-flavored e-cigarettes can be sold remains unclear. The specific scope of the ban on flavor additives was not mentioned in this legislation, so further clarification from the Government of the Russian Federation is necessary to determine the extent of the ban.


2FIRSTS will continue to report on this issue. An article interpreting the "minimum sale price regulation for nicotine-containing products" will be published later, please stay tuned.


Topic: Progress of the Russian Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes and Expert Analysis (Click on the image below to jump)


Read related articles:


Timeline and Background of Russia's Ban on Certain Flavors: Bill Passes All Three Readings in One Day


The ban on flavor additives in electronic cigarettes in Russia will come into effect on September 1st. The proposal in its entirety is attached. On April 11th, Russia will hold its first discussion on the proposal to ban flavored electronic cigarettes.


Russia proposes a maximum fine of 500,000 rubles for selling electronic cigarettes to minors.


Russian Prime Minister Mishustin considers banning e-cigarettes.


Expert analysis series:


Expert Analysis 2: Russia Sets Minimum Retail Price for E-Cigarettes to Reduce Demand for Nicotine Products.


Expert interpretation 3: Russia proposes ban on online sales and offline displays of electronic cigarettes, effective June 1st.



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