2FIRSTS | Special Report | Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Launch Fresh Push to Rein in Vaping
Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are implementing new regulations to control the vaping market and combat illicit trade.Summary
Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are introducing various regulatory measures to tighten control over the vaping industry and combat growing black markets. Russia has introduced new GOST state standards that restrict liquid capacity, shelf life, and device design to reduce the appeal of certain products. In Ukraine, authorities are calling for stronger criminal liability and clearer rules following large-scale operations against illegal circulation. Belarus is preparing legislation to ban advertising for electronic smoking systems.
A significant challenge for all three nations is balancing stricter enforcement with the risk of driving trade into the shadow economy. Some Russian experts suggest adopting China's model, which integrates the industry into a state monopoly through licensing and traceability, rather than implementing outright bans. While some officials in the region still advocate for total prohibitions, the current trend focuses on incremental, targeted adjustments to taxation, sales channels, and advertising.
(Source：2Firsts)
