The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic has proposed a temporary, six-month ban on the importation of electronic cigarettes, nicotine delivery systems, and nicotine-containing liquids. Officials expressed deep concern that these products, actively spreading among youth, are fostering early addiction and posing a significant threat to public health. Official data indicates that in 2024 alone, over 80 tons of such products were imported into Kyrgyzstan, primarily from China, South Korea, the UK, and Germany.
The government emphasized its commitment to international conventions on preventing tobacco and nicotine exposure, stating the ban aims to strengthen public health prevention systems. This proposal follows a law signed by President Sadyr Japarov that banned the sale and use of vapes starting July 1, 2025. Violations of this existing ban carry hefty fines: 10,000 soms for individuals using vapes and up to 65,000 soms for legal entities selling them. Illegal importation can lead to correctional labor or imprisonment for up to two years for large-scale offenses.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has initiated stricter requirements for smoking areas, mandating isolated spaces where smokers cannot be observed by others. This aligns with the 2021 anti-tobacco law, which prohibits smoking in numerous public places like entrances, elevators, and transport hubs. Designated smoking areas must meet rigorous sanitary and fire safety standards, including ventilation and daily cleaning. Non-compliance with these rules results in fines, with individuals facing 3,000 soms for smoking in unauthorized areas and entities up to 50,000 soms for failing to provide proper facilities.
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