Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes and With Criminal Penalties for Violations

On January 24, 2024, Mazhilis deputies - the lower chamber of Parliament - approved legislation intended at reducing tobacco usage, including a complete ban on the import, production, sale, and distribution of electronic consumption systems. The proposed legislation establishes criminal liability for engagement in vaping-related activities. The potential penalties include up to 50 days in jail for sales, up to two years in prison for importation and distribution, and up to five years in prison for the same offenses done by a criminal gang on a large scale or repeatedly.