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 long-distance passenger ships. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact more stringent laws than the national legislation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: All forms of domestic and cross-border tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are prohibited, with extremely limited exceptions. The law restricts, but does not prohibit, promotional features that may appear on tobacco product packaging.  All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are 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 is required to cover 30 percent of the front of packing. 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.