Russian president signs law: prohibiting the sale of vape to minors

According to media reports, on May 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the sale of vape to minors, and nicotine-containing products can now only be purchased in stores and pavilions, according to foreign news reports. The relevant laws and regulations have been published on the Legal Information Portal.
According to the document, from June 1, the sale of these goods at fairs, exhibitions, remotely, or using vending machines is strictly prohibited. At the same time, the display and demonstration of such devices in the trade fair hall are limited, except in the case of direct demonstration to the buyer. Discounts on vape are also prohibited, including through the issuance of coupons and vouchers.

The law signed by the head of state prohibits the sale of all types of vape to minors, including nicotine-free vape.

At the same time, the circulation of vape liquids with flavorings or additives that increase addictiveness and substances designed to increase the attractiveness of the product is also restricted.

According to the text of the law, all the restrictions that apply to tobacco products also apply to nicotine-containing products, which include nicotine-free systems.

At the same time, as of September 1, 2023, government agencies will set a minimum cost for such products.

The amendment to the advertising law prohibits the display of vape use. For children under the age of 12, mention of these products is prohibited, and for people over that age, occasional mentions indicating the dangers of consuming these products are allowed.

Earlier, Irina Rukavishnikova, first deputy chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, noted that the main goal of the law is to prohibit the sale of vapes to teenagers.

According to the senator, the goal of establishing responsibility in one case and strengthening it in another is the same – to protect the health of children and adolescents, and at the state level to protect people under 18 years from the use of psychotropic substances and smoking electronic products cigarettes with nicotine, said the senator.