A draft law in the State Duma aims to raise administrative penalties for selling tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and hookahs to minors. The measure is led by a group of deputies under the leadership of the speaker of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin. The move is presented as a stronger shield for young people, a clear step toward limiting youth access to nicotine and related products.
Under the proposed rules, penalties would rise noticeably. Citizens could face fines from 200,000 to 300,000 rubles; officials would be liable for 500,000 to 700,000 rubles; and legal entities could incur charges from 1.5 to 2 million rubles. The framework is designed to create a strong deterrent for vendors and individuals who overlook age restrictions, with the expectation that higher stakes will reinforce compliance at the point of sale.
The bill seeks changes to Article 14.53 of the Administrative Code, which governs violations involving tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and hookahs. If enacted, the penalties would lifting the current levels, which stand at 40,000 to 60,000 rubles for private individuals, 150,000 to 300,000 rubles for officials, and 400,000 to 600,000 rubles for legal entities. The proposed adjustment mirrors a broader push to align enforcement with contemporary health concerns and to signal a tougher stance on underage access.
At the start of October another proposal surfaced that would ban the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products to Russians born after December 31, 2009. Some government units did not back the plan, warning that such an approach could restrict constitutional rights for a portion of the population and might spur growth in the illegal tobacco market. The discussion highlights the ongoing tension between protecting public health and preserving individual rights, as well as the potential economic implications for retailers and producers who must navigate stricter rules.
Earlier assessments noted that flavored electronic cigarettes with aromatic scents can pose heightened risks, particularly for younger users who may be drawn to distinctive flavors. The broader policy debate continues to weigh immediate health protections against practical considerations for enforcement, market dynamics, and personal choice. As today’s regulatory environment evolves, lawmakers are evaluating how best to balance safety, legality, and access while addressing the concerns raised by medical experts and public health researchers.