The State Duma is edging toward a sweeping restriction on electronic cigarettes, with a potential law that would bar sales to Russian minors if approved on April 11. The proposal comes from Vyacheslav Volodin, the Speaker of the Lower House, who framed the move as a decisive step to shield young people from nicotine and vaping devices. The discussion is part of a broader push to tighten controls over vaping products that many lawmakers view as a public health concern affecting youth.
Volodin outlined that the forthcoming rule would cover both nicotine-containing vapors and the entire spectrum of devices used for vaping. In his view, the measure would not only prohibit the advertising of electronic cigarettes but also remove them from retail shelves, effectively limiting access for minors and those who might be attracted to vaping products in public spaces and online marketplaces. The emphasis is on constraining exposure and reducing the normalization of vaping among younger populations.
Beyond the advertising and display ban, lawmakers are discussing a more comprehensive framework. Sultan Khamzaev, who previously served on the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, noted that deputies are preparing amendments to the full ban on electronic cigarettes in Russia. The proposed changes would broaden the scope beyond minors, aiming to tighten overall availability and oversight of these devices and related accessories. Such proposals suggest a shift toward stricter regulation that could affect manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike.
Earlier this year, the State Duma working group contemplated a tougher stance by suggesting the equal treatment of electronic cigarettes with traditional cigarettes. The idea was to ban advertising altogether, aligning the promotion restrictions for vaping products with those already applied to tobacco products. The move reflects a broader theme in parliamentary debates that seeks consistency in how different forms of nicotine delivery are treated under the law, with potential consequences for marketing, branding, and consumer perception.
When the process moved forward in March, the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy expressed support for government bills aimed at regulating the circulation of tobacco products. This backing signals parliamentary interest in a cohesive regulatory approach that would address age restrictions, distribution channels, and public health considerations associated with tobacco and related products. The committee’s stance reinforces the direction toward tighter controls that could influence retailers, manufacturers, and public health campaigns across the country.