A new regulation has officially come into force in Kazakhstan today, aiming to ban the sale, distribution and import of vape products, according to Tengrinews.kz on June 20.
According to the recently adopted Amendments to the Law on Health Issues, popular vapes or disposable vapes are now banned in Kazakhstan. Although the use of vapes is not punishable, the sale, distribution and import of these products will be subject to criminal liability.
According to the revised provisions in the health law, the criminal law has also been adjusted accordingly. Now, a new article 301-1 “Circulation of non-tobacco products, electronic consumer systems (vapes), flavors and their oils” has been added to the law. Part 1 stipulates penalties for the sale and distribution of vapes: a fine of up to 200 MRP (738,400 tenge [US$1,602.67] in 2024), or up to 200 hours of community service, or up to 50 days of detention. Part 2 provides for penalties for the import and production of vapes: a fine of up to 2,000 MRP (7.3 million tenge [US$15,844] in 2024), or up to 600 hours of community service, or up to 2 years of restriction or deprivation of liberty.
If these acts are committed repeatedly by a criminal group and involve particularly large amounts of income, the penalties are more severe: a fine of up to 5,000 MRP (18.4 million tenge [US$39,936] in 2024), or up to 1,200 hours of community service, or up to 5 years of restriction/deprivation of liberty.
In response to an official inquiry from Tengrinews.kz, the Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs stated:
“The dissemination of vapes shall be understood as the act of passing on vapes to another person. The act of dissemination shall lead to criminal liability, regardless of its form and without regard to the presence of material or other benefits.”
Vaping in inappropriate places will be subject to the same penalty as smoking – 3 MRP (11,076 tenge [US$24.04] in 2024).
In addition, the amendment also introduced a precise definition of vapes in the Code on People’s Health and Health System:
- Electronic consumer systems (vapes) flavorings;
- Electronic consumer systems (vapes) and their liquids;
- Non-smoking tobacco products;
- Products that imitate tobacco products.
Earlier, on April 19, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the Law on Amendments and Supplements to Certain Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Health Issues.
Although the sale and import of vapes are prohibited in Kazakhstan, Veehoo vapes can seek other alternative markets and seek sales opportunities in other countries or regions. By finding compliant international markets, Veehoo vapes can mitigate the impact of the Kazakhstan market ban on its business.
Although the Kazakhstan vape ban has brought challenges to Veehoo vapes, there are also some development opportunities. Through compliance management, market education, product innovation and international market expansion, Veehoo vapes can find a path to sustainable development in this new market environment.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s vape ban has posed new market challenges to vape companies such as Veehoo. However, by adopting corresponding strategies such as compliance management, market education, seeking alternative markets, and expanding international markets, Veehoo is expected to meet challenges and find development opportunities. In the ever-changing regulatory environment, Veehoo needs to remain flexible and innovative to adapt to market demand, and continue to work hard to improve product safety and quality to win the trust and support of consumers. At the same time, Veehoo can actively participate in industry associations and organizations to jointly promote the standardization and sustainable development of the vape industry. Through these efforts, Veehoo is expected to succeed in other markets, provide users with better alternatives to smoking, and promote the popularization of a healthy lifestyle.
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