Belarus in Eastern Europe Now Requires Sales Channel Licensing for Vaping Products

European intelligence has learned that Belarus in Eastern Europe has entered a licensing period for vaping sales. Starting July 1, 2023, Belarus has implemented a vaping sales licensing system, requiring business entities that do not comply with the law to stop retailing non-tobacco nicotine products and e-cigarettes. It also reminds relevant operators that if they do not plan to continue selling, they must clear their inventory before July 1, or they will face penalties. In fact, under Belarusian licensing law, retail sales of non-tobacco nicotine products and liquids for vaping systems have been licensed since January 1, 2023. Related sales activities must end before July 1, and if sales are to continue, the appropriate channel license is required.

▲ Comment: Belarus, with 1.8 million smokers, is still a market worth exploring. Belarus also now classifies e-cigarettes and HNB as legal. Compared with Russia, however, the market is still very different, and Russian brands are more dominant. Pod products have little market, disposables are poor in quality, after-sales service is almost nonexistent, and consumers are very price-sensitive. Some consumers choose open-system devices, especially moderate users. In a market like this, with a lack of localized brands, it is exactly the right time for domestic brands to enter.