Russian State Duma Approves New Regulations on Vapes

On July 23, the Russian State Duma passed in its second reading a bill establishing regulations for the production of Vapes. According to the new rules, only food products, additives, and flavorings permitted for use in food products within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russia can be used as ingredients in Vapes.

Manufacturers and importers of Vapes are required to submit an annual report by March 31 of the following year, detailing the composition of their products. Packaging information must not include terms, descriptions, symbols, or any other marks that could create a false impression that the smokeless tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.

The law prohibits the use of substances aimed at increasing the attractiveness of Vapes. This includes flavorings, as well as colorings and additives that enhance tobacco (nicotine) addiction, such as nicotine salts, ammonium, ammonia derivatives, acetaldehyde, and sugars. The use of sugar to replace sugar lost during processing is permitted, provided it does not lead to the development or enhancement of taste or aroma, or increase the addictive, toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity properties of the product. Nicotine content in Vapes must not exceed 10 mg per item.

If enacted, the law will take effect on March 1, 2025, except for provisions with different effective dates.

Ongoing Legislative Efforts on Vaping Products

Currently, the State Duma is reviewing an inter-factional bill proposing a complete ban on the retail sale of both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes in Russia. The explanatory note accompanying the bill cites data indicating that the number of teenagers using vapes increased tenfold from 2011 to early 2023. Lawmakers argue that non-nicotine vape liquids are harmful, as they contain glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings, and thickeners, each of which can cause severe lung diseases when inhaled as vapor.

However, the legal department of the State Duma has noted that the proposed changes contradict parts 1-7 of Article 19 of the federal law “On Health Protection,” which allows such trade but imposes specific restrictions on its implementation.