Russian State Duma Passes Tougher Law on Tobacco Sales

Jan.23.2025
Russian State Duma Passes Tougher Law on Tobacco Sales
Russian State Duma passes bill raising fines for selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookah to minors. Lead by Vyacheslav Volodin.

According to a report by RIA on January 21st, the Russian State Duma passed a bill during its second and third readings, significantly increasing fines for selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs to minors.


This bill was drafted by members of all factions in the State Duma led by Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, and aims to amend Article 14.53 of the Administrative Offenses Code.


The bill specifies fines for selling tobacco or nicotine-containing products, hookahs, and e-cigarettes to minors. Individuals face fines ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 rubles ($2,000-3,000), officials face fines of 500,000 to 700,000 rubles ($5,000-7,000), and legal entities face fines between 1.5 million to 2 million rubles ($15,000-20,000). In cases of violating tobacco product trading regulations, individuals face fines of 10,000 to 20,000 rubles ($100-200), officials face fines of 30,000 to 50,000 rubles ($300-500), and legal entities face fines ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 rubles ($900-1,200).


If the violation is repeated, the fines will increase, with individuals facing fines ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 rubles ($200-300), officials facing fines between 50,000 to 90,000 rubles ($500-900), and legal entities facing fines between 120,000 to 150,000 rubles ($1,200-1,500). Violations for selling other nicotine-containing products and chewing tobacco result in fines of 100,000 to 200,000 rubles ($1,000-2,000) for individuals, 300,000 to 500,000 rubles ($3,000-5,000) for officials, and legal entities facing fines of 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 rubles ($10,000-15,000).


Individuals caught selling or producing alcohol and tobacco products without labels may face fines ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 rubles ($3,000-5,000), while legal entities could be fined between 700,000 to 1,000,000 rubles ($7,000-10,000) and have the illegal products confiscated. Those caught distributing unlabeled products may be fined between 100,000 to 150,000 rubles ($1,000-1,500) as individuals, and between 300,000 to 500,000 rubles ($3,000-5,000) as officers, with legal entities facing fines of 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 rubles ($10,000-15,000) and possible confiscation of products.


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

Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
RELX and UK e-liquid brand T-Juice have launched the Prime Pro × Red Astaire bundle in France, combining the RELX Prime Pro open-system pod device with T-Juice’s signature Red Astaire nicotine salt e-liquid. The collaboration retains the existing Prime Pro hardware platform while using an established flavor brand to create a complete open-system offering. The product appeared in French retail and distribution channels in August 2026 and represents a co-branded retail bundle rather than a new device launch.
Aug.27
EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an inquiry into how the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade handles interactions with the tobacco industry. The case follows a complaint from a civil society organisation that alleges regular, unnecessary and non-transparent contacts between DG TRADE and tobacco industry representatives, raising questions over compliance with the EU’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The inquiry remains ongoing, and the Ombudswoman has not reached any finding of maladministration.
Aug.24
New York’s 75% Wholesale Tax on Nicotine Pouches Takes Effect Sept. 1, With Aug. 31 Inventory Subject to Floor Tax
New York’s 75% Wholesale Tax on Nicotine Pouches Takes Effect Sept. 1, With Aug. 31 Inventory Subject to Floor Tax
New York State will extend its tobacco products tax to “alternative nicotine products,” including tobacco-free nicotine pouches, from September 1, 2026, at a rate of 75% of the wholesale price. Distributors, wholesalers and retailers must also inventory products held as of 11:59 p.m. on August 31 and pay a floor tax. Vapor products are excluded from the new category and remain subject to New York's separate 20% supplemental sales tax on the retail price.
Aug.26
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
Dragos Constantinescu has officially taken up his role as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at British American Tobacco (BAT). He previously spent 16 years at BAT across finance and general management roles in Europe before joining Asahi in 2019 and becoming CEO of Asahi Europe & International in 2025. His return comes as BAT continues to advance its “A Better Tomorrow” transformation.
BAT
Sep.01
 $20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
$20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
An Illinois court ordered three companies tied to Posh vapes to pay $20 million and permanently restricted the sale, marketing and distribution in Illinois of products lacking required FDA authorization. The consent order also imposes downstream distributor controls, age-verification measures and social-media marketing limits, creating a new state-level compliance benchmark for disposable vape businesses.
Regulations
Aug.05
JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI nicotine pouch brand Nordic Spirit has entered a long-term partnership with Manchester’s Co-op Live, becoming the venue’s Official Nicotine Pouch Partner. The 23,500-capacity venue is the UK’s largest indoor live entertainment arena. Nordic Spirit will run in-venue activations for existing adult nicotine consumers and sell products at selected arena bars. The agreement was entered into before the relevant UK sponsorship restrictions were introduced, while the government intends to implement a comprehensive ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products from June 1, 2027.
Sep.07