Yakutia Bans Retail Sales of Vapes

The State Assembly (Il Tumen) of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) has adopted Law No. 421-7, banning the retail sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems and liquids for them in the republic. The law was passed at the Assembly's 20th regular plenary session.

The law's main goal is to protect public health, including minors. During the debate, lawmakers stressed that teenagers make up about 45% of vape users and that initiation peaks at age 15. Flavour additives, they said, help form persistent nicotine addiction and contribute to rising respiratory diseases.

As rapporteur, Alexei Kornilov, chair of the parliament's standing committee on entrepreneurship and tourism, said the ban covers liquid-based electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes) and liquids for them. Devices that heat tobacco sticks are not covered. The restrictions apply from 1 March 2027 to 1 March 2032, and Russian federal law allows regions to introduce such limits.