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?


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis adopted in final reading a bill banning the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components, through amendments to the law On Tobacco and Tobacco Products. The document states that nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes are included within the concept of tobacco products and sets out a definition of electronic cigarettes.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian consumer group urges Kremlin administration to reject regional vape sales bans
Russian consumer group urges Kremlin administration to reject regional vape sales bans
A Russian consumer organization has urged the Presidential Administration to block proposals that would let regions ban ENDS and e-liquid sales, warning it would create fragmented regulation and turbocharge the illicit market. The group cites WHO statistics and overseas experiences to argue for a more targeted regulatory model.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s Perak Health Department says seized vape-related items valued at RM2,738 during two-week operation
Malaysia’s Perak Health Department says seized vape-related items valued at RM2,738 during two-week operation
Malaysia’s Perak State Health Department said it carried out a two-week joint enforcement operation from January 1 to 14, 2026, in line with the state government’s policy prohibiting renewals of vape sales licences effective January 1.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens has begun selling vape products again in some U.S. stores, marking a notable reversal after the chain pulled vapes from shelves in 2019 amid concerns over youth use and health risks. Juul says it is expanding across thousands of Walgreens locations, and NJOY also lists Walgreens stores as retailers.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma’s Department of Corrections says it will begin allowing inmates to buy single-use nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches through prison canteens in 2026, framing the move as a strategy to reduce contraband-driven debts and prison violence. Officials say inmates will be barred from using personal nicotine products, the devices will be disposable and non-cartridge-based, and the program will be self-funded through inmate purchases rather than taxpayer money.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai