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.

China’s Jinhua Tobacco Launches CNY 2.7 Million Procurement for E-Cigarette Violation Lead Monitoring Services
China’s Jinhua Tobacco Launches CNY 2.7 Million Procurement for E-Cigarette Violation Lead Monitoring Services
Jinhua Tobacco, a municipal tobacco company in China’s Zhejiang province, has launched a public tender for e-cigarette-related violation lead monitoring and consulting services. The project is valued at CNY 2.7 million and covers data resource integration and analytical consulting services for 36 months from contract signing. The procurement reflects the use of external data and analysis services to support local tobacco companies’ market oversight activities related to e-cigarettes.
Aug.07
Florida Governor DeSantis Expands TANF Restrictions, Blocking Welfare Benefits From Buying Tobacco and Vapes
Florida Governor DeSantis Expands TANF Restrictions, Blocking Welfare Benefits From Buying Tobacco and Vapes
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced an expansion of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) restrictions that would prohibit Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) funds from being used to purchase tobacco and vaping products. The state will amend its TANF State Plan and submit the changes for federal approval. Florida officials said the restrictions would not affect eligibility for temporary cash assistance or the amount of benefits received, but would change how funds can be spent.
Aug.25
UK HMRC Urges Public to Report Suspicious Vape Shops in Crackdown on Tax Fraud, Money Laundering and Illicit Tobacco Sales
UK HMRC Urges Public to Report Suspicious Vape Shops in Crackdown on Tax Fraud, Money Laundering and Illicit Tobacco Sales
HM Revenue & Customs is urging members of the public to report vape shops, barber shops and other high-street businesses suspected of tax fraud, money laundering or other illegal activity, with informants not required to provide personal details. HMRC plans more than 30,000 interventions in 2026-27 targeting tax fraud, organised crime and illicit activity, including the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco. The push forms part of a broader UK effort to tackle organised crime on high streets, backed by a £30 million government enforcement programme.
Regulations
Aug.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Reemtsma says German illegal e-cigarette seizures reached 70% of 2025 total, pouches 179%
Reemtsma says German illegal e-cigarette seizures reached 70% of 2025 total, pouches 179%
Reemtsma said its first-half 2026 black-market tracker for tobacco and nicotine products showed a continued rise in officially reported seizures in Germany, with illegal e-cigarette seizures reaching 70% of the full-year 2025 level and snus and nicotine pouch seizures reaching 179% of last year’s total.
Jul.08
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
ITC Infotech has expanded its multi-year strategic technology partnership with British American Tobacco (BAT), providing technology services across Poland, Romania and India while continuing to support BAT's newly launched Future Capabilities Centre in India and existing technology hubs in Malaysia and Mexico. The companies said the agreement will focus on AI-enabled innovation, technology capability building and greater operational efficiency. The partnership also aligns with BAT's broader Fit2Win transformation programme, under which the group is expanding the use of external technology and business-services partners to simplify its global operating model.
Aug.13