First Case in Russia: Perm Region Has Completely Banned Retail Sales Of E-cigarettes

According to a report by the RBC website on November 27th: The Elm Border District will completely ban the retail sale of all types of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices (containing nicotine-free products and accessories) starting from March 1st, 2026.
Legislative progress: This ban was proposed by Governor Dmitry Makhonin and has been passed in two readings by the local regulations committee. Penalties: Individuals/officials: 15,000–20,000 rubles fine; Businesses/merchants: 50,000–100,000 rubles fine. Ban scope: All types of electronic cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated non-combustible (HnB) devices and their components. Since 2024, there have been some partial sales ban measures (such as prohibiting the sale in kiosks/vending machines), and this is a comprehensive strengthening.
National policy background: The Russian Ministry of Finance proposed: Each region can independently implement retail ban on electronic cigarettes from September 1st, 2026 to September 1st, 2031. The proposal has been supported by Rosalkogoltabakkontrol and is included in the second reading discussion. Those who violate the regulations at the retail end, manufacturers, and suppliers will have their licenses revoked. Trends and impacts: Putin has publicly supported restricting the circulation of electronic cigarettes. Multiple regions are preparing to follow up with sales ban measures. Experts warn: A complete ban on sales may lead to the expansion of the black market. NeoAnalytics data shows: The Russian electronic cigarette market size in 2024: 250 billion rubles, with an annual growth rate of up to 52%