In Omsk discussed the growth of the illegal tobacco market and new requirements for stores

Russian stores will have to switch to new rules for trade in tobacco and nicotine-containing products. Experts fear that due to the large number of applications, not all entrepreneurs will have time to receive the necessary documents on time.

From March 1, 2027, Russian stores will not be able to sell tobacco and nicotine-containing products without a license. Acceptance of applications began on October 1, 2026. It is necessary to issue permits to entrepreneurs before the new requirements come into force.

Possible difficulties of transition to new rules were discussed in Omsk at the interregional forum “Days of retail in Siberia”. Business and government officials said it was important to avoid delays in issuing licenses.

According to Andrey Akhmetzyanov, manager for interaction with public authorities of JTI Russia, licensing authorities will have to process applications from about 250 thousand outlets. At the same time, some entrepreneurs do not have experience in processing such documents. The expert warned that mass filings in recent weeks could lead to delays. In his opinion, to reduce such risks, consultations and advance informing of business will help.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Omsk region Vladimir Putiy confirmed that the preparation requires additional resources from the regional authorities. They need to find employees and set up government systems to issue permits. The ministry plans to organize meetings with entrepreneurs and explain new requirements.

To help retail outlets promise and in Rosalkogoltabakkontrol.

“We will assist the business, advise and help to deal with emerging issues. Come to consultations, contact us – our task is not only to control, but also to help entrepreneurs to work within the law, said Natalia Gerasimova, acting head of the Interregional Department of the SFD.

President of the Association of small-format trade, Chairman of the Presidium of "Torgprom" Vladlen Maksimov believes that when introducing licensing, it is important to take into account the interests of legitimate business.

" Licensing is a serious test for legal sellers. Obviously, it is in the interests of the state, society and market players to ensure that all legal retail outlets receive all the necessary permits. Otherwise, their place on the market will be taken by illegal operators who sell illegal goods, he said.

The concerns of the forum participants are also related to the situation on the tobacco market. According to the National Scientific Competence Center (NSCC), presented during the discussion, in the second quarter of 2026 the share of illegal cigarettes in the Omsk region reached 13.8%. For comparison, the forum participants cited the figure of 8.3% for 2025.

In the Novosibirsk region, the share of illegal cigarettes was 15.3%, in the Altai Territory - 13.9%. On average in Russia, the indicator increased from 9.1% at the end of 2025 to 10.3% in the second quarter of 2026 in terms of the entire population of the country.

Illegal trade leads to a loss of tax revenue. According to experts cited at the forum, the federal budget annually loses more than 113 billion rubles. For the first half of 2026, losses exceeded 45 billion rubles, of which more than 4 billion rubles fall on the Siberian Federal District.

At the same time, the authorities are intensifying the fight against illegal sales on the Internet. From September 1, 2026, Rosalkogoltabakcontrol received the authority to make decisions on restricting access to resources offering prohibited remote sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

According to the forum participants, during the first month, the agency checked about a thousand Internet sites. As a result of the inspections, access to more than 670 resources was closed.

Another topic of discussion was the possible increase in excise taxes. Vladlen Maksimov noted that the tax component in the cost of a pack of cigarettes can reach 80%. In his opinion, the growth of excise duties at a rate above inflation pushes some buyers to look for cheaper products, including illegal ones, which can lead to a reduction in tax revenues.

From March 1, 2027, administrative liability will be provided for the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products without a license, and criminal liability will be provided for in case of illegal trafficking on a large scale.