Russia Moves Toward Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes, With Scope Still Under Discussion

Key Takeaways

• Russia’s State Commission for Countering Illegal Trafficking in Industrial Products on March 25 supported a full ban on electronic cigarettes, vapes and refill liquids.
• The commission is headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
• Sources said a draft law will be prepared following the commission’s decision.
• The original agenda had focused on stronger inspections of electronic nicotine delivery system market participants, especially retailers.
• The specific list of devices covered by the ban will be determined after broader discussion.

2Firsts, March 26, 2026

According to Vedomosti, Russia’s State Commission for Countering Illegal Trafficking in Industrial Products on March 25 supported an initiative to fully ban the production, import and circulation of electronic cigarettes, vapes and refill liquids in Russia.

State commission supported a full ban on e-cigarettes, vapes and refill liquids

The report, citing three sources, said the initiative was supported at the commission meeting, including two sources familiar with the course of the meeting and one source in the Health Ministry. The commission is headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

One source said that following the commission’s decision, a corresponding draft law would be prepared. The report also said that initiatives agreed by the commission are often adopted because it is an interagency body that includes heads of federal and regional executive authorities.

The original agenda focused on stronger inspections, but the meeting shifted to support a full ban

Another source familiar with the meeting said the original plan had been to discuss stronger inspections of participants in the electronic nicotine delivery system market, especially retail outlets.

However, the report said that during the meeting, all participants ultimately reached a consolidated decision in favor of a full ban on the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems and refill liquids.

The list of covered devices and the law’s drafter will be determined later

A source said the specific list of devices that would be covered by the ban will be approved after broader discussion of the initiative. According to the report, in addition to vapes and electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs and electronic pipes may also fall within the electronic nicotine delivery system category.

The report also said the eventual drafter of the bill will be determined later. Possible authors could include lawmakers who are members of the commission or an interested ministry or agency such as the Health Ministry, the Industry and Trade Ministry, or Rospotrebnadzor.

In early December 2025, a group of six State Duma deputies also prepared amendments for second reading of a bill on licensing the circulation of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, including provisions limiting vape sales, though no date has yet been set for that second reading.

Image source: Vedomosti