Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia

Feb.08
Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia
Kazakhstan authorities seize smuggled e-cigarettes from Russia, violating country's strict tobacco laws.

According to Kaztag's report on February 8th, authorities in Kazakhstan intercepted a shipment of e-cigarette products attempting to be smuggled from Russia into Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia
13,420 e-cigarettes, 2,080 e-cigarette liquids, and 15,050 pieces of smokeless tobacco products (SNUS) were seized. | Image source: SRC


According to a press release from the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, the Aktope border customs office (DGD) and the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan (KNB RK) carried out a joint operation and intercepted two freight vehicles. The vehicles were originally supposed to travel from the Russian Federation through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, according to the shipment plan.


After inspecting the accompanying documents of the goods, the relevant department decided to check the declared "grinding machine for pipeline valve flat sealing surface" commodities. Upon inspection, a total of 13,420 e-cigarettes, 2,080 e-cigarettee liquids, and 15,050 pieces of smokeless tobacco products (SNUS) were seized. The seized products are suspected to bear brand markings such as "OXBAR" and "LYFT.


As of June 20, 2024, Kazakhstan has banned and made it a criminal offense to traffic in non-tobacco products, e-cigarettes, their flavorings, and e-liquids. The production, import, sale, and distribution of these products will be subject to criminal penalties.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
According to The Straits Times, after Singapore strengthened anti-vaping enforcement from September 2025, Relx International-linked entity Hellow SG voluntarily applied for deregistration and was officially struck off by ACRA on September 30, closing its local office. The company reportedly undertook regional business support and operated quietly.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The U.S. Department of Justice and FDA seized 2.1 million e-cigarettes and 12 distributors and retailers were sued
The U.S. Department of Justice and FDA seized 2.1 million e-cigarettes and 12 distributors and retailers were sued
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FDA announced a joint crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes, seizing over 2.1 million unauthorized e-cigarette products from five distributors and six retailers in seven states. The companies involved had previously received warnings from the FDA but continued to sell products without market approval. This operation was jointly carried out by multiple government departments, and civil injunction lawsuits have been filed against 12 related companies an
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district opens, offering glo products, personalization services, and a VIP lounge.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | ELFBAR Launches New Open-System Device in UK with Three Pod Options and 2800mAh Battery
Product | ELFBAR Launches New Open-System Device in UK with Three Pod Options and 2800mAh Battery
ELFBAR has launched its new open-system device ELFX MEGA, compatible with 2 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL pods and equipped with a 2800mAh battery that delivers significantly longer runtime than its predecessor. The device has passed MHRA notification in the UK and is now available online in the UK at a retail price of around £18.99.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK’s Nationwide Crackdown Seizes 111,000 Illegal Vapes in “Machinize 2” Operation
UK’s Nationwide Crackdown Seizes 111,000 Illegal Vapes in “Machinize 2” Operation
UK police have carried out a nationwide crackdown under Operation Machinize 2, targeting illegal vapes, counterfeit goods, and grey-market businesses. Raids on more than 2,700 premises led to 924 arrests and the seizure of 111,000 illegal vapes, 70kg of cannabis, 4.5m cigarettes, and £10.7m in proceeds.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai