Belarusian authorities are preparing to restrict the sale and promotion of electronic cigarettes under a draft law targeting tobacco and nicotine-containing products. Anastasia Kosova, head of public health at the Republican Center for Hygiene, confirmed that the government does not intend to issue a total ban on e-cigarettes. Instead, the focus is on regulating the market and curbing illicit trade.
Under the proposed legislation, retail stores must remove vapes and e-liquids from open shelves. Retailers will store these products in closed cases, requiring customers to select items from a printed list. Additionally, all advertising for electronic smoking systems will be prohibited.
The draft law also expands smoke-free zones to include the entryways and porches of apartment buildings and dormitories, following numerous complaints from residents.
To protect minors, the law introduces administrative penalties for adults who purchase nicotine products for underaged individuals or encourage them to vape. Violators face fines of up to 15 basic units.
