Fedot Tumusov, First Deputy Chair of the Duma Health Committee, called vapes the “most dangerous and least controlled” nicotine product and said restricting them should be a priority. While refining a government bill, the committee proposes granting regions the power to ban vape sales. Committee Chair Sergey Leonov said the illicit e-cig market exceeds 60%, with new licensing aimed at cleaning up the sector.
Key Highlights
- The Health Committee proposes regional powers to prohibit vape sales within a federal bill.
- Federal argues vapes pose higher youth risks and are weakly regulated vs. cigarettes.
- Main hazard: informal production and toxic additives disguised as flavorings.
- Sergey estimates the illicit e-cig segment at >60% of the market.
- Draft guidance points to curbing street retail and allowing full local bans where needed.
October 29, 2025 — Pravda.Ru reports that Fedot Tumusov. Russian First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, called vapes “the most dangerous and least controlled” form of nicotine product, urging priority restrictions on vapes. He said rapid spread and weak oversight make vapes particularly harmful for children and adolescents, while traditional cigarettes, despite their harms, are long-regulated.
As the Health Committee refines a government bill on tobacco control, it recommends empowering regions to prohibit vape sales. A recommendation text reported as available to RIA Novosti suggests enabling local limits on street retail, up to full market withdrawal within specific territories.
Committee Chair Sergey Leonov noted the illicit share of e-cigs exceeds 60%, arguing that a new licensing regime would purge questionable products and better protect public health. The committee approved the substance of related amendments and advised the lower chamber to proceed to first reading.
