With smoke, but without steam: Tatarstan intends to introduce a ban on the sale of vapes
The State Council Committee on Economy, Investments and Entrepreneurship approved the initiative to ban the retail sale of vapes and associated liquids in the territory of the republic
The restrictions are planned to be introduced experimentally for a five-year period - from March 1, 2027 to March 1, 2032.
The key motive of the bill is the protection of public health, especially young people. As noted by the head of the Committee Ryagat Khusainov, despite the marketing position on the safety of electronic nicotine delivery systems, medical data suggest otherwise. The initiative arose in response to mass appeals of residents of the Republic of Tajikistan: during a public survey on social networks, more than 80% of participants supported the introduction of the ban.
Deputies admit that additional restrictive measures may be taken within five years of the experiment. At the current stage, the ban applies only to vapes, but monitoring law enforcement practices may expand the list of restrictions.
Representatives of the business community expressed concern about potential losses. Nevertheless, lawmakers emphasize the priority of public health over commercial interests. Entrepreneurs are given a transition period until March 2027 to repurpose activities and sell warehouse balances.
Such bans are already in effect in eight constituent entities of the Russian Federation, including the Arkhangelsk, Saratov and Penza regions. Despite the absence of similar restrictions in neighboring Chuvashia and Mari El, Tatarstan parliamentarians are guided by the experience of other regions.
The document is recommended for adoption in the first reading. Before the final vote, the draft law will be submitted for discussion with the participation of representatives of non-parliamentary parties to collect additional proposals.
The initiative to limit the sale of vapes was put forward by the Youth Parliament of Tatarstan last year. Activists of the movement “Healthy Fatherland” conducted more than a hundred inspections of retail outlets, revealing violations of the law in each case – from incorrect layout to the lack of mandatory marking.
