The State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, has approved a bill in its first reading that aims to completely ban the sale of vapes and cigarettes via the internet. Although a ban is already in place, loopholes in the current legislation have allowed sales to continue through social networks, instant messaging platforms, and certain websites.
According to the Duma, these online channels have become major distributors of illegal and often counterfeit nicotine products, making them accessible even to minors. The new bill seeks to close these loopholes by introducing extra-judicial blocking of websites and channels that violate the ban.
Under the proposed legislation, owners of websites and applications will be obligated to block offers for the sale of vapes and cigarettes. Currently, sources of nicotine sales on the internet can be blocked by the court for a period of three to six months.
This move comes amid growing concerns over the accessibility and regulation of nicotine products in Russia. Recently, discussions in the State Duma have also touched upon the possibility of a complete ban on hookahs, further highlighting the government's efforts to curb nicotine consumption and protect public health.
