Russia

Tobacco Control Policies

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.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices Yes
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport No
Universities Yes
Restaurants Yes
Governmental facilities Yes
Bars and Pubs Yes
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display Yes
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 12
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 50%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 50%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 50%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 173.00 RUB
Total taxes 61%
In US dollars 2.82 USD
Total excise 44%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: May 17, 2022