Deputies from the "A Just Russia – For Truth" (SRZP) faction in the Russian State Duma are set to introduce a package of bills proposing a complete ban on the sale of all nicotine-containing products, including vapes and electronic cigarettes. The initiative, led by party leader Sergey Mironov and committee chair Yana Lantratova, also calls for significant administrative fines for both wholesale and retail violations.
Mironov stated the project aims to prohibit all trade in devices for consuming nicotine-containing products. Proposed fines for individuals (often shop assistants) selling these items would range from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles, while legal entities could face fines from 500,000 to 1 million rubles. Penalties for selling to minors would be even steeper: 300,000 to 500,000 rubles for individuals and 1.5 to 2 million rubles for businesses.
This move follows a 2023 law that banned flavored nicotine products, open displays, and distance selling. Mironov argued that despite existing prohibitions on sales to minors, many tobacco shops ignore these rules, necessitating stricter measures. He noted that about 4 million Russians, including many teenagers attracted by the lack of tobacco smell, use electronic nicotine delivery systems. SRZP deputies also previously proposed empowering teachers to confiscate cigarettes and nicotine products from students.
