Number of compliant vape shops in Russia rose 78% year-on-year in the first half of 2023

In the first half of 2023, the number of vape shops in Russia increased by 78% compared with the same period in 2022.

According to a report from the Russian Nicotine Alliance, analysts at the operator of the Honest Sign labeling system (CRPT) said that the number of vape shops rose 78% year-on-year in the first half of 2023.

In addition, according to CRPT’s analysis, during the same period the number of stores legally selling alternative tobacco products (ATP), such as shisha tobacco, cigars, and cigarillos, also grew by 32%, from 82,000 to 109,000. Meanwhile, the number of stores legally selling traditional tobacco products (cigarettes) increased by 25%, from 250,000 to 313,000. 

Reva Yusupov, Deputy General Director of CRPT, said: “Since the implementation of Honest Sign, the number of legal vape retail outlets has grown rapidly, nearly doubling. This clearly shows that the industry is moving away from the black market and beginning to strictly comply with legal requirements. Those ‘underground’ shops that previously escaped attention now realize they must operate within the legal market. Compliance across other tobacco sectors is also continuing to improve.”