Russian Consumers’ Union Opposes Regional Bans on E-Cigarettes
The Russian Consumers’ Union has written to the Presidential Administration requesting that regional authorities not be granted the power to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, stating that this would lead to fragmented regulation and an increase in black market activity. The organization cited WHO data and international examples, arguing for a more targeted regulatory approach rather than a blanket regional ban.
Key Points at a Glance
- The Russian Consumers’ Union has written to the Presidential Administration, requesting that regional authorities not be given the power to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
- The organization believes that allowing regions to independently ban sales could lead to an expansion of the illegal market and a decrease in national control over the circulation of nicotine products.
- The organization criticized this as creating “patchwork regulation,” where one region allows sales and a neighboring region prohibits them, increasing incentives for gray market activity and the risk of unregulated products.
- The letter cited WHO data showing that 121 countries regulate e-cigarettes, while only 34 countries have implemented a complete ban.
- Background of the controversy: In November 2025, the Russian State Duma passed relevant amendments in the first reading, followed by proposals from the Ministry of Finance to grant regions the power to impose sales bans.
Appeal Submitted to the Presidential Administration
According to Vedomosti on February 6, 2026. The Russian Consumers’ Union submitted a letter to the Russian Presidential Administration requesting that regional authorities not be granted the power to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and their e-liquids.
Concerns Over Illegal Market Growth
The organization stated in the letter that the proposed federal bill (No. 102477-8), if it introduces local-level sales bans, could stimulate the growth of the illegal market and weaken the state’s ability to regulate the circulation of nicotine products.
Risk of “Patchwork” Regulation Across Regions
The letter emphasized that local bans would create a fragmented regulatory landscape in which similar products might be legal in one region and illegal in a neighboring region. This would increase enforcement challenges and encourage the growth of a gray market for products of unknown origin and quality.
International Experience and WHO Data Cited
The organization also referenced international experience, noting that according to World Health Organization data, 121 countries worldwide regulate the circulation of e-cigarettes, while only 34 countries have adopted a complete ban.
WHO Preference for Targeted Regulatory Approaches
The letter stressed that the WHO supports a differentiated, country-specific regulatory approach rather than a universal blanket ban. It also cited the experiences of the UAE and Australia, where strict prohibition measures reportedly contributed to the expansion of illegal sales and later prompted shifts toward alternative regulatory models.
Ongoing Debate Over E-Cigarette Regulation in Russia
This development comes amid intensified discussions in Russia regarding the regulation of e-cigarette products.
Legislative Background and Industry Opposition
In November 2025, the Russian State Duma passed draft amendments to relevant legislation in the first reading. Subsequently, the Russian Ministry of Finance proposed additional provisions allowing constituent entities of the Russian Federation to impose regional bans on e-cigarette and e-liquid sales. In December 2025, the national small and medium-sized enterprise association Opora Rossii also opposed the proposal, warning that regional bans could drive the market further underground and weaken regulatory oversight.
