Russia: Penza Region Bans Retail Vape Sales from Sept 2026
Russia’s Penza region has approved new legislation that will outlaw the retail sale of vaping products starting on September 1, 2026. The law, passed by the regional Legislative Assembly on December 12, prohibits the sale of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, including devices used to consume nicotine-containing substances, nicotine-free liquids, tobacco-free heating blends, and any electronic equipment designed to generate vapor or aerosols. Only officially registered medical devices and pharmaceutical products are exempt.
In addition to the sales ban, the assembly has adopted administrative sanctions for non-compliance. Public officials who violate the rules may face fines of 40,000 to 50,000 rubles, while companies and other legal entities could be penalized between 500,000 and 1 million rubles. During the session, regional Governor Oleg Melnichenko called on lawmakers to back both the prohibition and the associated penalty framework.
Vice-Governor Sergey Fedotov pointed to the rapid rise in vaping across Russia, arguing that it is often misleadingly marketed as a safer alternative to smoking despite scientific evidence indicating health risks. The regional decision reflects wider national debates, as President Vladimir Putin has reportedly expressed support for a comprehensive ban on vaping. At the federal level, authorities are also working on legislative amendments that would allow regions to temporarily ban retail vape sales on an experimental basis to evaluate the impact of stricter regulation.
- News source: В Пензенской области приняли закон о запрете вейпов
