Kyrgyzstan to Enforce Comprehensive Vape Ban Starting July 2025
June 09,2025 | View: 2227
Import, sale, and use of vapes to be fully prohibited; violators face fines or imprisonment
Effective July 1, 2025, Kyrgyzstan will implement a comprehensive national ban on vapes. Under the new law signed by President Sadyr Japarov, the import, distribution, sale, and personal use of vape products will be completely prohibited, falling under both administrative and criminal penalties.
This move places Kyrgyzstan among the first countries in Central Asia to enact a nationwide vape ban, going beyond previous smoke-free public space policies in terms of scope and enforcement.
Legal Penalties Defined by Role and Type of Violation
The Kyrgyzstan vape ban legislation outlines differentiated penalties for individuals and corporate entities, based on the nature of the offense:
• Personal use of vapes: Fine of 100 Calculation Index units (KGS Calculation Index, abbreviated CI), approximately USD 115;
• Corporate violations of the ban: Fine of 600 CI, approximately USD 695;
• Individuals selling vapes: Fine of 200 CI, around USD 230;
• Businesses selling vapes: Fine of 650 CI, around USD 750;
• Illegal import of vapes: Subject to compulsory labor or community service for 2 months to 1 year, or fines up to 1200 CI (approx. USD 1,390);
• Large-scale illegal imports: Fines up to 2000 CI (approx. USD 2,300), or imprisonment from 1 to 2 years.
In serious cases, including violations deemed of "significant scale" or involving repeat offenders, courts may also impose industry bans that prohibit individuals or businesses from engaging in certain activities for up to two years.
Kyrgyzstan Vape Ban Legislative Timeline and Revisions
This ban did not come into effect overnight. In mid-2024, the bill passed parliament by a majority vote during its third reading. While the legislation received broad parliamentary support, President Japarov initially returned the bill to parliament for revision, calling for a more proportionate penalty system that considers the scale of violations.
The revised bill introduced flexible fine ranges and more specific penalties for large-scale import offenses. The final version was signed into law in November 2024, with a scheduled enforcement date of July 1, 2025, allowing for an 8-month transition period for businesses and distributors.
Broader Regulatory Context: Tightening Control Across Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan’s comprehensive ban aligns with a broader trend in Central Asia and Eastern Europe toward stricter vape regulations.
In Kazakhstan, authorities have imposed a 150% excise tax on vape products and banned sales to minors. Uzbekistan mandates health warning labels on all vape products and restricts advertising content. While neither country has implemented a full ban, both focus heavily on youth protection and taxation compliance.
Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, has opted for a comprehensive ban policy aimed at cutting off the vape supply chain altogether. This approach may help reduce short-term product accessibility, but it also raises concerns about a rebound in traditional tobacco use and the growth of the illegal black market.
Stay Informed on Vape Policy Trends
As global regulations on vape products continue to evolve, understanding how different jurisdictions respond is becoming essential for industry stakeholders. Legislative paths are diverging, with some countries moving toward bans while others refine controls around access, marketing, and taxation.
SP2S will continue to monitor policy updates, enforcement trends, and legislative changes across key markets. For more insights and ongoing coverage of vape regulations worldwide, follow the News section on our official website.
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