Russia's proposed tobacco product regulation and licensing requirements

Apr.14.2023
Russia's proposed tobacco product regulation and licensing requirements
Russia proposes mandatory licenses for tobacco products and raw materials, effective from September 1, 2023.

On April 12th, the "Proposal on State Regulation of the Production and Circulation of Tobacco Products, Tobacco Industry Products, Nicotine-Containing Products and Their Raw Materials" (No. 310882-8, hereinafter referred to as "the Proposal") was passed in the first reading by the State Duma of Russia.


The following are the original text and Chinese translation of the relevant proposal by 2FIRSTS.


Classification of Mandatory Licensing Types


The first section of Article 8 of the proposal stipulates mandatory licensing requirements for the production and sale of tobacco products, nicotine-containing products, and raw materials used to produce such products.


What kinds of tobacco products are specifically covered by the license? Which stages require specific licenses? Is a license required for the import and export of products? Liang Jiasen, a market researcher for 2FIRSTS in Russia, provided a professional interpretation of the proposal.


According to the first part of Article 8 in general terms, activities related to the production and sale of tobacco products, nicotine-containing products, and materials utilized in the production of these products require a license.


The production, storage, and supply of tobacco products, raw materials, nicotine-containing products, and raw materials for the production, storage, and supply of tobacco products and nicotine-containing products are involved in their import and export within the Russian Federation. The circulation of raw materials and nicotine-containing raw materials is also included in their import and export within the Russian Federation. Additionally, the purchase of tobacco products and nicotine-containing products for use as duty-free trade under customs procedures, as well as the production, storage, and supply of cigars and related activities are included.


Experts Interpret


According to Liang Jiasen, a market researcher at 2FIRSTS, the first item on the license refers to a "raw material production license" for the production, storage, and supply of tobacco products, raw materials, nicotine-containing products, and nicotine raw materials. Such a license is required at every stage of the raw material production process.


Regarding the second provision on "production, storage and supply of tobacco products and products containing nicotine," this license is known as a "product manufacturing license," which is required for all stages of production for such products.


In relation to the third point regarding the circulation of tobacco and nicotine-containing products entering and exiting the Russian Federation, the license referred to is the "Product Import License". This license is necessary for the importation of such products into Russia and must be presented at all relevant stages of the process.


In relation to the fourth item on the import and export of raw materials and nicotine raw materials into and out of the Russian Federation, the license required is the "Raw Material Import License", which is necessary for the importation of such products into Russia. This license is required for all relevant import processes in Russia.


Regarding the fifth provision which pertains to the production, storage, and supply of cigars, it is identified as the "Cigar Production License" of the Russian Federation.


Regarding the sixth provision, which pertains to the purchase of tobacco and nicotine-containing products for sale as duty-free goods under customs procedures, this clause is part of the Russian Federation's "License for the Circulation of Duty-Free Tobacco and Nicotine products.


Scheduled to take effect on September 1st, 2023.


If the proposal is ultimately passed through the Russian legislative process, it will come into effect on September 1, 2023, with the mandatory licensing provisions outlined in Section 8, Part 1 of the proposal to be implemented on the same date. Holding a license will become a requirement from March 1, 2024. If tobacco manufacturers are found to not have a license, to have their license suspended or revoked, their production equipment will be ordered to be sealed.


2FIRSTS will continue to interpret and provide further details on laws and related content.


Topic: Progress and Expert Analysis on Russia's Ban on Flavored E-cigarettes (Click the Image Below to Jump)


Expert Analysis Series:


Expert analysis 1: The ban on flavored e-cigarettes in Russia includes all products, and the specific standards for additives have yet to be disclosed.


Expert analysis 2: Russia sets minimum retail price for e-cigarettes to reduce demand for nicotine products.


Further Reading:


Manufacturers of nicotine products in Russia now need to apply for a license following the approval of a draft law during its first reading.


Timeline and Background of Russia's Taste Ban Law Passed in Three Readings in One Day


On September 1st, a ban on flavor additives in e-cigarettes in Russia will take effect. The proposal text is available in reference 3. On April 11th, a proposal to ban flavored e-cigarettes in Russia will undergo its first discussion.


Russia proposes to impose a maximum fine of 500,000 rubles on those who sell electronic cigarettes to minors.


What is the progress in the ban on flavored products in the Russian legislative process?



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

UK HMRC Issues One-Month Countdown Warning, Urges Vape Businesses to Prepare for New Tax Rules
UK HMRC Issues One-Month Countdown Warning, Urges Vape Businesses to Prepare for New Tax Rules
The UK’s Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme will take effect on October 1, 2026. All vaping liquids manufactured in or imported into the UK will face a flat excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml, whether or not they contain nicotine. Newly manufactured or imported products released onto the UK market from October 1 will require a valid duty stamp, while eligible existing unstamped inventory can continue to be sold through March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, all vaping products outside duty suspension must carry a valid stamp.
Sep.03
JAMA Issues First U.S. Clinical Guidance on Vaping for Smoking Cessation, Urging Complete Switch From Cigarettes
JAMA Issues First U.S. Clinical Guidance on Vaping for Smoking Cessation, Urging Complete Switch From Cigarettes
JAMA has published a Special Communication offering systematic recommendations for U.S.-based clinicians on the use of nicotine e-cigarettes in adult smoking cessation. Developed by the Harm Reduction Workgroup of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s Treatment Research Network, the paper recommends including e-cigarettes alongside FDA-approved cessation medications in risk-benefit discussions. It cites high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes achieve higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy and evidence suggesting efficacy comparable to highly effective medications such as varenicline and cytisine. For adults who choose vaping to quit, the authors recommend FDA-authorized products, sufficient nicotine delivery and a rapid, complete transition away from cigarettes rather than prolonged dual use.
Aug.13
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said legal tobacco sales in the country have fallen by more than half over the past decade, with sales declining more than 20% in 2025 compared with the previous year. She warned that the decline may not fully reflect lower smoking rates, as increased availability of illicit cigarettes could also be contributing. The government said it would continue strengthening tobacco and vape retail enforcement while monitoring the impact of illicit tobacco on public health and tax revenue.
Aug.26
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
According to The Maritime Executive on August 19, 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs worked together to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia. According to information released by ABF on August 20, sustained information sharing and cooperation led to investigations into 112 shipping containers, with 91 found to contain illicit tobacco. Authorities seized more than 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing more than A$92 million in unpaid duties. More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.
Aug.20
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
According to CBS Los Angeles on August 27, 2026, California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 762, which would phase out disposable, battery-embedded nicotine vapes in the state. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, manufacturing and importation of the covered products would be prohibited beginning January 1, 2027, followed by a sales ban on January 1, 2028. Driven primarily by concerns over electronic waste, lithium-battery fires and environmental pollution, the legislation would further shift California’s legal vape market toward rechargeable, refillable or replaceable-pod devices.
Aug.28
China Tobacco Zhejiang files patent for pressure-triggered, on-demand oral nicotine release
China Tobacco Zhejiang files patent for pressure-triggered, on-demand oral nicotine release
China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for an oral nicotine delivery product designed to let users actively adjust nicotine release. The product embeds two types of nicotine reservoirs with different wall thicknesses and positions inside a deformable matrix. Pressure applied with the tongue or lips can rupture the reservoirs and accelerate nicotine release. In simulated oral tests, several patent examples showed sharply higher peak nicotine release rates as applied force increased from 0 N to 1 N and 3 N. The filing explores a shift from preset release profiles toward user-triggered nicotine delivery.
Sep.01