Tabachniki called on regulators to strengthen the responsibility of marketplaces for the sale of illegal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. News from the Ministry of Industry and Trade was shared with Izvestia.
Marketplaces remain the most visible channel for online sales of tobacco and nicotine-containing products that are explicitly prohibited by law, according to JTI Russia as quoted to Izvestia. This situation has prompted a push to tighten penalties for online trading through marketplaces. JTI Russia argues that penalties should include measures up to and including pre-trial blocking of the site, a level of sanction already used for alcohol enforcement in some cases.
Currently, penalties for sellers who ignore the ban stand at a fine of fifty thousand rubles for legal entities, while individuals face fines up to three thousand rubles. Authorities are weighing stronger enforcement options on this front.
Rospotrebnadzor has expressed support for initiatives aimed at curbing the circulation of illegal tobacco products. The Ministry of Agriculture has recommended the blocking of domains, websites, or individual pages that advertise or sell such items. This aligns with broader efforts to curb illicit trade and protect consumers and legitimate businesses from misinformation and unsafe products.
In Russia, from December 15, the labeling and markup of electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette liquids became mandatory in a move supported by the regulatory framework and health authorities. This change is part of a broader push to improve product traceability, consumer awareness, and enforcement against illegal goods.
Citations: Statements reflect reporting by Izvestia based on remarks from industry stakeholders and official sources such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the health and consumer protection agencies. These developments indicate a coordinated approach to strengthening oversight of online marketplaces and ensuring compliance with tobacco and nicotine product laws.