On April 19, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law amending healthcare legislation in Kazakhstan.
This new law adds Article 301-1 to the Criminal Code, which addresses the sale and distribution of non-smoking tobacco products, electronic consumption systems (vapes), flavors, and liquids for them. The penalties are:
1) Selling or distributing these products can result in a fine up to 200 monthly calculation indices, correctional labor, public works up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days.
2) Importing or producing these products can lead to a fine up to 2000 monthly calculation indices, correctional labor, public works up to 600 hours, restriction of liberty up to two years, or imprisonment for the same period, with possible confiscation of property.
3) If these acts involve large-scale profits or repeated offenses, the penalties increase to a fine up to 5,000 monthly calculation indices, correctional labor, public works up to 1,200 hours, restriction of liberty up to five years, or imprisonment for the same period, with confiscation of property.
Starting today, stores selling vapes must close. Additionally, importing vapes for personal use is also prohibited.
More details about the law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Health Issues” can be found here.
