The Russian government has given the green light to the Finance Ministry's proposal to introduce licensing for retail trade in tobacco products, including vapes and hookahs. The decision, which mirrors the current regulations in the alcohol market, was made during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko.
Starting September 1, 2026, every tobacco retail outlet will need to obtain a special permit to operate. The cost of the license will range from 20,000 rubles per year to 60,000 rubles for a five-year permit. A single violation of the rules will result in the revocation of the license.
While the federal government will establish the basic requirements for retail outlets, regions will have the authority to impose stricter rules at their discretion. The responsibility for ensuring compliance will be shared between federal and regional authorities, with some processes being digitalized to streamline the process.
Industry stakeholders believe that the introduction of these measures will lead to a decrease in the number of tobacco outlets in Russia, particularly affecting small businesses. The new licensing system is expected to have a significant impact on the tobacco retail landscape in the country, potentially reshaping the market in the years to come.
