On March 25, Russia took a significant step toward tightening control over nicotine products. The State Commission for Combating Illegal Circulation of Industrial Products approved a proposal to fully ban the production, import, and sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related liquids.
The commission, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, had initially planned to focus on stricter inspections of retail outlets. However, discussions shifted, and members unanimously supported a complete ban. As a cross-agency body involving both federal and regional authorities, its decisions are typically followed by concrete legislative action.
What Happens Next?
The proposal will now move into the drafting phase. Lawmakers, along with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and consumer protection authorities, are expected to define the exact scope of the ban. A detailed list of prohibited products will be developed after broader consultation.
A Policy Years in the Making
Russia has been debating restrictions on vaping products since 2023. Draft laws were submitted twice in 2024 but never advanced to a first reading. Momentum increased in late 2025, when President Vladimir Putin publicly expressed support for stricter measures during a regional visit. The government soon echoed that position.
Despite several legislative attempts, including amendments proposed by State Duma deputies, no final law has yet been passed. This latest decision may signal that a breakthrough is approaching.
Health Concerns Driving the Ban
Medical experts in Russia have raised ongoing concerns about the health risks associated with vaping. Reported issues include:
- Bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways)
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Increased risk of sudden cardiac events
Young people are considered particularly vulnerable.
Globally, regulators are taking similar positions. The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for stricter oversight of e-cigarettes. As of 2024, 133 countries have implemented some form of restriction, with more than 40 nations enforcing full bans on sales.
The Grey Market Challenge
One of the biggest concerns surrounding a full ban is enforcement.
Currently, an estimated 68% of Russia’s e-cigarette market operates in the grey zone. Experts warn that prohibition could unintentionally strengthen illegal distribution channels rather than eliminate demand.
A comparable situation occurred in Kazakhstan, where a full ban was introduced in 2024 and had little effect on actual consumption due to weak enforcement. Many users simply turned to unofficial sources.
Russia has around 150,000 vape retail outlets. Without strong on-the-ground enforcement, a nationwide ban risks becoming largely symbolic.
There is also a counterintuitive economic effect to consider: illegal products often sell at lower prices than regulated ones. If legal channels disappear, prices may drop rather than rise, making access even easier.
Economic Impact on the Industry
Russia’s vaping market has grown rapidly in recent years:
- Market size exceeded 250 billion rubles in 2024, up 51.9% year-over-year
- Around 200 million disposable e-cigarettes are sold annually
- Between 60% and 90% of the market is estimated to be unregulated
- E-liquid production and wholesale volumes have surged multiple times since 2023
Retailers are particularly concerned. E-cigarettes typically generate higher profit margins than traditional tobacco products. A ban could disproportionately impact legal sellers, especially since many do not directly handle compliance or tax obligations tied to product sourcing.
A Balancing Act Ahead
Russia’s push toward a full ban reflects a clear public health priority. However, the effectiveness of such a policy will depend heavily on execution.
Without strong enforcement mechanisms and measures to curb illegal trade, the ban may struggle to achieve its intended outcomes. Policymakers now face a familiar challenge: how to balance strict regulation with real-world market dynamics.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether this policy becomes a turning point—or another difficult-to-enforce restriction.