Russia May Allow Regions to Introduce Experimental Vape Sales Bans

Key Takeaways

• Russia may allow regions to experimentally ban vape sales, specifically the retail sale of liquids for electronic nicotine delivery systems.
• The relevant amendment has been approved by Russia’s government commission on legislative activity.
• The proposed trial period would run from March 1, 2027 to March 1, 2032.
• Regions that do not impose bans would continue under the general licensing regime for tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
• The implementation date for tobacco and nicotine trade licensing is now planned for October 1, 2026 instead of March 1, 2026.

 2Firsts, March 31, 2026

According to Interfax, Russian regions may be given the right to introduce experimental bans on vape sales, specifically on the retail sale of liquids for electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Russia plans to let regions trial vape retail bans from 2027 to 2032

The office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko said Russia’s government commission on legislative activity approved amendments for the second reading of the bill introducing licensing for trade in tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

Under the proposal, the experimental period would run from March 1, 2027 to March 1, 2032. During that time, the effects of introducing the prohibitive measure in individual regions would be assessed.

Regions without bans would remain under the general licensing regime

Dmitry Grigorenko’s office said that in regions where no vape ban is introduced, the general regulatory framework would continue to apply, meaning licensing of the circulation of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

The statement also noted that Russia already prohibits tobacco sales within 100 meters of educational institutions. Once licensing for tobacco and vape circulation is introduced, violation of this rule would result in cancellation of the retail license. The restricted zone would be calculated with account taken of artificial and natural barriers.

The launch of tobacco and nicotine licensing is now planned for October 1, 2026

Russia had previously planned to introduce licensing for wholesale and retail trade in nicotine-containing products from March 1, 2026. However, the bill, drafted by the Finance Ministry and adopted in the first reading, required further revision.

The new implementation date for the licensing system is now planned for October 1, 2026.

Image source: Interfax