Russia has taken a major step toward banning vapes, after a government commission backed plans to prohibit their production, import and sale.
The State Commission for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Industrial Products, chaired by Denis Manturov, supported the proposal on March 25, according to reports.
The move would cover vapes, refill liquids and other electronic nicotine devices, although the final scope of the ban is still being decided.
Draft law expected next
Sources told Russian outlet Vedomosti that the next step will be to draft legislation to implement the ban.
Potential authors of the bill could include members of the State Duma, the health ministry or the ministry of industry and trade.
The specific list of products included has not yet been finalised, but could extend beyond vapes to include devices such as electronic hookahs and electronic pipes.
The proposal marks a shift from earlier discussions, which had focused on tightening inspections of retailers rather than introducing a full ban.
Backed at highest levels
The push for stricter controls comes amid broader political support for tougher restrictions on nicotine products.
Vladimir Putin has previously expressed support for tighter regulation, signalling that a full ban could gain traction.
While the legislation has not yet been formally introduced, decisions backed by the commission are often adopted, as it brings together senior officials from across government.
Concerns over growing blackmarket
Experts have warned that a full ban could have unintended consequences.
Russia already has a large illicit market for vapes, estimated to account for around 68 per cent of sales.
Further restrictions could push more consumers towards unregulated products, making enforcement more difficult.
The scale of the market is significant. In 2024, Russia’s vape market was estimated to be worth more than 250 billion rubles (around €2.67 billion), with more than 245 million devices sold and 1.2 million litres of liquid produced for retail.
Wider crackdown on nicotine products
The proposed ban is part of a broader tightening of Russia’s approach to nicotine regulation.
In late 2025, a group of lawmakers introduced amendments to strengthen controls on the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, including measures to limit vape sales.
No timeline has yet been confirmed for when the new legislation will be introduced or voted on.
But the commission’s backing represents a significant step toward what would be one of the most restrictive vape policies in the world.
