Regulation of Tobacco Consumption Equipment and Components in Abkhazia

The Abkhazian Parliament has passed a bill aimed at regulating the circulation of nicotine consumption devices and components to protect citizens' health. The bill, introduced by Abkhazian representative Inar Gitsba, aims to protect citizens, particularly minors, from excessive use of nicotine products. The increase in the circulation of nicotine products in Abkhazia, particularly e-cigarettes, has led to a rise in market promotion of new nicotine products marketed as "safer," "delicious," and "smokeless." Manufacturers use various marketing strategies to attract new users, particularly minors, to create early dependency on nicotine. A recent study found that e-cigarette use can lead to lung fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, myocardial infarctions, strokes, and cancerous diseases. As a result, over 30 countries have implemented bans on the sale of e-cigarettes. Abkhazia has imported over 71,000 e-cigarette devices and e-liquids from January 1, 2020, to May 2, 2023.