The Russian State Duma has discussed proposals to regulate the tobacco industry. The Economic Policy Committee of the Expert Council reviewed four measures aimed at achieving localization of production and technological independence from imports.
According to Maxim Topilin, the Vice President, effective control of the tobacco market will attract more funds for our treasury. Experts estimate that due to illegal tobacco smuggling, the federal budget loses about 100 billion rubles each year.
Market participants proposed amending the Advertising Law to inform consumers of the characteristics of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
Sergey Artukhov, the Chairman of the Expert Committee and a member of the Economic Policy Committee of the National Duma, emphasized that such innovations may have a negative impact on minors, leading them to develop bad habits.
Advertising for smoking products should not be allowed to openly explain their impact on people. Localizing the tobacco industry in Russia has economic reasons, such as promoting technological independence, creating new jobs, and developing domestic tobacco options. However, it should not be permitted to expand the network of informing adult consumers about cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products. Deceptively, such advertisements or information are not aimed at catching children's attention in sales points, where grandparents often take children along with them. Smoking should not be normalized. Using product quality as a pretext to promote electronic cigarettes, vaping, and USB sticks is not acceptable. No matter how these products are explained, they will not improve anyone's health, according to the deputy representative.
Earlier, representatives discussed the issue of beer and other low-alcohol beverages being sold at convenience stores and gas stations.
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