Fines for vaping in the workplace in Russia could increase to 15,000 rubles by 2027, according to financial expert Dmitry Trepolsky. This forecast follows a proposal by Ekaterina Leshchinskaya, chair of the "Healthy Fatherland" movement, to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, urging a tenfold increase in penalties for violating anti-tobacco laws at work.
Trepolsky views this initiative as a logical extension of policies equating electronic nicotine delivery systems with traditional cigarettes, aiming to close regulatory "gray zones" in offices. While the adoption of such amendments is considered highly likely in 2026, practical implementation is not expected until 2027.
A key challenge will be enforcement. Unlike cigarette smoke, vape vapor dissipates quickly and often evades standard smoke detectors. Consequently, the burden of monitoring compliance will likely fall on employers, relying on colleague complaints or surveillance footage. This measure is expected to primarily impact young office workers, providing companies with a new legal tool for maintaining discipline and workplace safety.
