Two members of Russia’s “A Just Russia – For Truth” (SRZP) party have asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to classify the manufacture, sale, and use of e-cigarettes as criminal offenses under the same provisions that govern drug trafficking.
In a letter submitted on Oct. 14 to Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, State Duma Deputy Chairman Dmitry Gusev and fellow SRZP member Elena Drapeko urged the government to amend the Criminal Code to include vaping-related activities among crimes punishable by imprisonment.
According to the proposal, criminalizing e-cigarettes would “unify qualitative standards for illegal behavior, eliminate enforcement gray areas, and limit abuse as a potential medium for distributing dangerous substances.” The lawmakers argue that e-cigarettes have evolved from “fashion accessories” into “channels for spreading harmful substances,” posing new public health risks, particularly to minors.
The proposal follows a series of escalating anti-vaping measures in Russia. Earlier this year, the SRZP party introduced an administrative penalty bill defining “e-cigarette devices” and “nicotine-containing liquids” for the first time and setting fines for illegal sales. Under that law, individuals face penalties of 50,000–200,000 rubles ($620–$2,475), officials 300,000–500,000 rubles ($3,700–$6,190), and legal entities 1 million–2 million rubles ($12,376–$24,753).
If adopted, the new proposal would move the issue from administrative enforcement to criminal prosecution — a dramatic escalation that would treat e-cigarette production and possession in the same category as narcotics offenses.
The move comes amid a tightening regulatory climate around nicotine in Russia. Earlier this year, lawmakers banned flavored vapes, introduced stricter retail licensing requirements, and limited advertising and online sales, media reports. The Ministry of Health has also voiced support for stricter controls, citing rising youth use and growing concerns about unregulated e-liquids.
While the proposal has not yet been formally introduced as legislation, it signals growing momentum among Russian lawmakers to criminalize vaping entirely — a stance that would make Russia one of the most restrictive markets in the world for e-cigarette products.
RIA Novosti, which first reported the initiative, said the Interior Ministry is reviewing the proposal, but no timeline has been announced for a decision.
