Timeline of Russian Vape Law Development
On April 11, 2FIRSTS Moscow learned from the Russian State Duma meeting that the "Proposal on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" (hereinafter referred to as the "Proposal") has been approved. The proposal aims to tighten regulations on e-cigarettes in Russia, including banning the addition of flavorings and addressing the issue of underage e-cigarette use.
2FIRSTS timeline of legislative changes
- On April 7, 2023, according to the Moscow Komsomolets, a draft proposal on tightening e-cigarette policies was submitted to the Russian State Duma.
- On April 10, 2023, the proposal was submitted to the State Duma Legislative Committee for review.
- On April 11, 2023, the bill passed the State Duma with 408 votes in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention. On the same day, the proposal passed the State Duma's first, second, and third readings.
Background of legislative changes
The legal amendments to e-cigarettes did not come without warning. As previously reported by 2FIRSTS, on March 23, Russian Prime Minister Mishustin stated at the State Duma regular meeting that he would consider the proposal to ban e-cigarettes put forward by the Speaker and representatives.
The call for a ban on e-cigarettes may be related to three cases of death or serious injury among minors in Russia since February, caused by the consumption of illegal e-cigarettes.
At the meeting, State Duma Speaker Voloshin requested the Duma Health, Propaganda, and Youth Affairs Committee to prioritize the study of e-cigarette use and propose feasible suggestions for a ban. 2FIRSTS found that Voloshin is the proposer of the legal amendments after reading the original text of the bill.
The current Russian law "On Protecting Citizens' Health from Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Tobacco Consumption or Nicotine-Containing Product Consumption" applies to all nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes and hookahs. It prohibits the use of these products in public places and their sale to minors.
On April 10, the Russian State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation recommended that the Parliament adopt amendments increasing fines for selling tobacco products, hookahs, and nicotine-containing product consumption devices to minors.
The amendments suggest imposing fines of 30,000 to 50,000 rubles ($365-609) on citizens, 100,000 to 200,000 rubles ($1218-2436) on officials, and 300,000 to 500,000 rubles ($3651-6091) on legal entities.
Also read:
Russia Passes New Bill Banning All Vape Flavors
Russian PM Mishustin Considers Ban on E-cigarettes
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