Russia Will Implement A Tobacco Sales License System From September 2026, Covering Electronic Cigarettes And Hookah Products

According to Newsinfo on April 17, the Russian government has approved a trade license system for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and hookahs. The new policy will take effect from September 2026, when all businesses engaged in tobacco retail will need to obtain a special license.

The new regulation document states that the issuance of licenses will be the responsibility of the Russian Alcohol and Tobacco Supervision Service (Росалкогольрегулирование). If businesses violate the rules, their licenses may be revoked even if they only commit a single violation.

The Russian Finance Ministry has proposed that the fee for obtaining a retail license be set at 60,000 rubles ($720), while the fee for a wholesale license would be 800,000 rubles (about $9,700). The licenses would be valid for five years and would also require a renewal fee.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the fine for selling e-cigarettes to children to 2 million rubles ($24,000). In addition, violations of restrictions in the field of retail trade of tobacco products will be fined up to 120,000 rubles ($1,400).