Russian State Duma passes bill to ban online tobacco sales

Mar.25.2025
Russian State Duma passes bill to ban online tobacco sales
Russian State Duma passes bill banning e-cigarette and cigarette sales online due to rise in illegal tobacco products.

Key points:

  • The Russian State Duma passed a bill banning the sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes online.
  • Currently, social media and websites have become the main channels for selling illegal tobacco products.
  • The new legislation proposes to introduce measures to prohibit sales without the need for a court ruling.

According to a report by RIA on March 25, the Russian State Duma recently passed a bill planning to completely ban the online sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes.

 

The lower house of the Russian parliament points out that although current laws clearly prohibit the remote sale of tobacco products, websites and social media, as well as instant messaging apps, have become the main channels for the dissemination of illegal products. Minors are still able to purchase e-cigarettes and cigarettes online, and the sale of counterfeit products also frequently occurs.

 

Currently, regarding the sale of tobacco products on the internet, courts can order the blocking of related websites for a period ranging from three months to six months. A new law is proposing the introduction of a mechanism for blocking without the need for court intervention. Additionally, website and application owners will be required to proactively block any information related to the sale of tobacco products.

 

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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.

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