A total ban on electronic cigarettes and vape products in Russia is moving closer to reality, backed by the commission combating illegal product trade. Following President Vladimir Putin's public support for the initiative in 2025, authorities are accelerating the drafting of a comprehensive law that targets both devices and e-liquids. This aggressive legislative push aims to eradicate vaping entirely from the Russian market, though industry experts warn it may simply drive a massive, already-shadowy sector completely underground.
Key Takeaways
- Total Prohibition: The impending law will ban both vape devices and e-liquids nationwide.
- Market Size: The Russian e-cigarette market exceeded 250 billion rubles in 2024.
- The "Grey" Reality: Industry representatives estimate that 60% to 90% of current sales already occur in the "grey market."
- Presidential Backing: The ban has gained significant momentum since Vladimir Putin endorsed the initiative in 2025.
The "Grey Market" Paradox
The proposed ban highlights a critical flaw in Russian regulatory strategy. Sector representatives argue that prohibiting vapes will be counterproductive because the legal market is already a minority. With up to 90% of the 250-billion-ruble industry operating off the books, a formal ban will likely force the remaining legal sales entirely underground. Instead of eliminating consumption, the legislation risks enriching the black market while stripping the state of any residual oversight or tax revenue.
Regional Loopholes and Enforcement Chaos
A significant point of contention is the potential for fragmented enforcement. Discussions indicate the ban might be applied differently across various regions. This inconsistency could create a scenario where vapes remain legal in certain territories while banned in others, inevitably driving consumers to cross borders to purchase products. This regional patchwork threatens to undermine the federal goal of total eradication, ensuring the sector shrinks but survives.
