2FIRSTS | Russia's Vape Ban Decisions Reach 17 Regions With 39 More Considering Laws, Putting Over 3,000 St. Petersburg Retail Outlets in Focus
Russian regions are adopting vape retail bans under federal law, with St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and others approving measures effective March 2027.Summary
As of November 7, 17 Russian regions had adopted vape retail ban decisions, with 39 more preparing legislation under Federal Law No. 186-FZ, which allows temporary bans from March 1, 2027, for up to five years. St. Petersburg's legislative assembly approved a ban in its first reading on November 11, which would affect 615 specialist vape shops and over 2,400 mixed-product outlets selling vaping products. Leningrad Oblast unanimously passed a five-year ban on November 12 with 43 votes, and the Republic of Karelia adopted similar legislation the same day, following Mari El's approval on November 10. Kaliningrad Oblast is also considering restrictions, with a bill submitted on November 11. The law restricts licensed suppliers from providing vaping devices and liquids to retail premises in affected regions, with license revocation possible for violations. These measures target electronic nicotine delivery systems and related liquids, not conventional cigarettes or heated tobacco products.
(Source：2Firsts)
