Russia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 1, 2008.  

Smoke Free Places: There is a comprehensive ban on smoking in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport.  The only exception to the ban is for designated smoking rooms or areas in sea-going passenger vessels, airports, and common areas of apartment buildings. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact more stringent laws than the national legislation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited with extremely limited exceptions such as retailer incentive programs. All forms of tobacco sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: On packaging of smoked tobacco products, rotating picture and text health warnings are required to cover 50 percent of the front and back of packaging. On packaging of smokeless tobacco products, a text-only health warning currently is required to cover 30 percent of the front of packaging.  When new health warnings for smokeless tobacco products come into effect in September 2026, rotating picture and text health warnings are required to cover 50% of the top of the front and back of packaging or 50% of the top of the front and back of the smokeless tobacco packaging inserts if warnings on packaging are not possible. The insert size cannot be smaller than the package’s largest visible surface. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Russia are well below these recommendations.