Russian President Putin Signs Law Banning Sales of Vaping Products to Minors

According to foreign reports today, Russian President Putin has signed a law banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, and nicotine-containing products can now only be purchased in stores and exhibition halls. The relevant law has been published on the legal information portal.

According to the document, starting from June 1, the sale of these products at trade fairs, exhibitions, remotely, or through vending machines is prohibited. At the same time, the display and demonstration of such devices in trade halls are limited, except for direct demonstrations to buyers. Discounts on e-cigarettes are also prohibited, including through the issuance of coupons and vouchers.

The law signed by the head of state prohibits the sale of all types of e-cigarettes to minors, including nicotine-free e-cigarettes.

Additionally, the circulation of e-liquids that add flavorings or addictive additives, as well as substances intended to increase product appeal, is also restricted.

According to the legal text, all restrictions applicable to tobacco products also apply to nicotine-containing products, including non-nicotine systems.

Furthermore, starting from September 1, 2023, the government will set a minimum cost for such products.

Amendments to the advertising law prohibit the display of e-cigarette use. For children under 12, any mention of these products is prohibited, while for those over this age, occasional mentions indicating the dangers of using these products are allowed.

Earlier, Irina Lukavishnikova, First Deputy Chair of the Federal Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, pointed out that the main goal of the law is to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to teenagers.

According to the senator, the goal of establishing responsibility in one case and strengthening responsibility in another is the same—protecting the health of children and adolescents, and at the state level, protecting those under 18 from using psychoactive substances and smoking e-products containing nicotine.