VARDEX to Stop Online Sales of E-Cigarettes in Russia

May.25.2023
VARDEX to Stop Online Sales of E-Cigarettes in Russia
Russian e-cigarette platform VARDEX announces the stop of online sales on June 1 due to a new law.

On the afternoon of May 25th, 2FIRSTS received notice from leading Russian e-cigarette e-commerce platform VARDEX that it has released a new operating statement announcing the cessation of direct online sales for all e-cigarette products starting on June 1st.

 

In a pinned announcement, VARDEX stated that they will no longer be selling any electronic cigarette products online starting from June 1, 2023. This decision is in accordance with the 15-FZ bill passed by the Russian Duma on April 11, 2023, which requires certain modifications to be made to federal legislation. The ban includes all e-cigarette devices and components, but excludes nicotine products that have already been prohibited.

 

At the same time, VARDEX stated that the electronic cigarette products reserved through their website orders are still valid and can continue to be provided to their customers.

 

It has been reported that VARDEX is the online distribution channel of Babylon, a leading electronic cigarette distributor in Russia.

 

Related legislation:

 

Law No. 15-FZ seeks to prohibit the online sale and public display of electronic cigarettes. The bill was signed into law by the President of the Russian Federation on April 28 and took effect on June 1.

 


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.

Vape Industry Group Loses Alabama Court Fight as State Tightens Rules on Imported Products
Vape Industry Group Loses Alabama Court Fight as State Tightens Rules on Imported Products
The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed a lower court’s refusal to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s 2025 electronic nicotine delivery systems law, allowing rules requiring covered products to be U.S.-made or FDA-authorized to remain in effect.
Jul.10
PMI to Launch IQOS in Argentina by End-2026 After Regulatory Shift, Targeting About 7 Million Smokers
PMI to Launch IQOS in Argentina by End-2026 After Regulatory Shift, Targeting About 7 Million Smokers
Philip Morris International (PMI) has confirmed plans to bring its IQOS heated tobacco device to Argentina by the end of 2026, after the Argentine government lifted long-standing restrictions and created a regulatory framework for heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16
Philip Morris Romania Expands IQOS Boutique Network to 120 Locations With Retail 2.0 Store
Philip Morris Romania Expands IQOS Boutique Network to 120 Locations With Retail 2.0 Store
Philip Morris Romania has opened IQOS Boutique Victoriei in Bucharest, expanding the country’s IQOS retail network to 120 points of sale and advancing a Retail 2.0 concept that combines design, technology, interactive art and urban culture.
PMI
Jul.13
2Firsts Data | China’s Vape Exports Rise 3.1% in H1 2026 as 6-Methyl Nicotine-Related Products Surge 65.2%
2Firsts Data | China’s Vape Exports Rise 3.1% in H1 2026 as 6-Methyl Nicotine-Related Products Surge 65.2%
China’s vape exports showed resilience in the first half of 2026 after a short-term shock from China’s export rebate adjustment. But customs data points to more than a simple recovery: the structure of growth is changing. Vaping devices and atomization hardware emerged as the strongest growth driver, while nicotine-containing vaping products remained broadly stable. Meanwhile, nicotine substitute-related products represented by 6-methyl nicotine expanded rapidly, becoming a new category to watch for both industry and regulators. After the U.S. market went through a cycle of shortages, replenishment and inventory rebuilding in 2025, China’s vape supply chain is entering a new phase of reallocation.
Special Report
Jul.20