Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin proposed to President Vladimir Putin to implement a regional ban on vape sales to combat their spread among young people. Putin immediately expressed strong support for this initiative. The State Duma, in turn, plans to consider a corresponding bill within two months. How effective might such measures prove to be, and what opinions exist on this pressing matter?
Presidential Support and State Duma`s Plans
Vladimir Putin approved the idea of granting regions the right to completely ban vape sales, suggesting Nizhny Novgorod Oblast become a pilot region for such an experiment. During his meeting with Gleb Nikitin, the president emphasized his profound concern about the rising popularity of vapes among children and teenagers. He noted that due to the lack of odor, young people often perceive vaping as a normal activity, leading to its widespread use even within school premises.
Putin explicitly stated: «Consider that I have already agreed immediately.»
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin confirmed that the parliament is actively developing a bill for a comprehensive vape ban, expecting its adoption within the next two months with the backing of the majority of deputies. While previous similar initiatives had received negative feedback from the government, significant restrictions have been in place since 2023. These include a ban on sales to minors, open product display, and advertising, mirroring regulations for traditional tobacco products.
Expert Opinions
Korolev highlights the substantial economic rationale for a ban, citing that the vape market is largely «black,» yielding no revenue for the state budget. From a public health perspective, vapes could offer a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, but their illegal distribution negates these potential benefits. Korolev expresses skepticism about regional bans, predicting they would merely drive consumers to purchase products in neighboring regions and further fuel the black market. He described such initiatives as «self-promotion.»
Grigoriev expressed surprise at Nizhny Novgorod`s selection for the pilot project but supported the ban in principle. As a former smoker, he views vapes as an equally harmful nicotine addiction as traditional cigarettes. He noted that cigarettes deter with their unpleasant smell, whereas «tasty» vapes create a false impression of harmlessness. A particular concern for him is the sight of children aged 10-12 using vapes near schools, which he believes underscores the failure of existing prohibitions on sales to minors.
Sokolov explains that global bans stem from states` efforts to improve public health and reduce healthcare expenditures. He asserts that vapes have contributed to a rise in nicotine addiction among schoolchildren, primarily because their lack of odor allows for undetected use. Sokolov believes that previous regulatory attempts were ineffective and belated, and that after Putin`s recent remarks, the time has come for more decisive action. He also pointed out that heat-not-burn devices (like IQOS) generally receive more lenient treatment because they have a noticeable smell and are clearly considered tobacco products.
International Experience and Public Opinion
Bans on electronic cigarettes are already enforced in several countries worldwide, including:
- Asian Countries: India, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore (import of vapes and IQOS is prohibited even for tourists, with fines for possession and use).
- Former Soviet Republics: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan.
- Other Nations: Turkey, Argentina, Brazil.
- Notably, in Oman and Qatar, carrying vapes can result in severe penalties, including potential prison sentences.
A poll conducted by Business FM revealed that 77% of respondents support a complete vape ban in Russia, while 24% oppose it.
