Russia will implement a tobacco product licensing system starting from Sep 2026, covering both vapes and hookahs. Retailers must obtain the license issued by the regulatory authority. Those who violate the rules will have their licenses revoked. The Ministry of Finance suggests setting the retail license fee at 60,000 rubles (approximately 720 US dollars) and the wholesale license fee at 800,000 rubles (approximately 9,700 US dollars), with a validity period of five years for the licenses.
Key points:
- The effective date of the licensing system: Starting from September 2026, all tobacco retail businesses (including vapes and hookahs) in Russia must operate with a license.
- Regulators are clear: the licensing authority belongs to the Russian state liquor and tobacco regulatory authority (Р о с а л seem о f о л ь р е f л и р о kind guide а н и е).
- Strict penalty mechanism: Once a violation occurs, even just once, the license may be revoked.
- Fees and cycles: The retail license fee is 60,000 rubles (approximately 720 US dollars), and the wholesale license fee is 800,000 rubles (approximately 9,700 US dollars). Valid for five years, renewal requires a new fee.
Russia to implement tobacco sales licensing system from September 2026
According to Newsinfo on April 17th, the Russian government has approved a trade licensing system for tobacco products, including vapes and hookahs. This new policy will come into effect from September 2026. At that time, all merchants engaged in tobacco retail will need to obtain a special license.
Covers vapes and hookah products
New rules file points out, the permit will be issued by the Russian alcohol and tobacco regulatory authority (Росалкогольрегулирование) is responsible for. If merchants violate the rules, their licenses may be revoked even if there is only one violation.
The Russian Ministry of Finance proposed that the cost of obtaining a retail license be set at 60,000 rubles (720 US dollars), while the cost of a wholesale license is 800,000 rubles (approximately 9,700 US dollars). The validity period of the license is five years, and renewal also requires payment of fees.
Previously, Russian President Putin raised the fine for selling vapes to children to 2 million rubles (24,000 US dollars). In addition, violations of the restrictions in the retail trade of tobacco products will be subject to a fine of up to 120,000 rubles (1,400 US dollars).
