E-cigarettes and cigarette-looking chewing gum to be banned in Russia

Russian MPs intend to ban electronic cigarettes and chewing gum, made in the form of cigarettes in the country, Vedomosti newspaper said.

Lawmakers propose to amend the recently passed law "On protection of public health from exposure to tobacco smoke" to strengthen the measures to combat smoking and promotion of tobacco products. The ban will embrace the use and imitation of tobacco products that are not categorized as such.

According to the new bill, electronic simulators of smoking, chewing gum made in the form of cigarettes, and even any cylindrical and white cigarette-looking item will be banned.

However, according to law experts, one can hardly say that the amendment establishes a direct ban on the sales of so-called e-cigarettes. However, it goes about electronic smoking devices that also contain harmful substances and do not serve as means of legitimate therapy for those smokers who wish to quit the hazardous habit.

The Parliament passed the anti-smoking law in the first reading on December 14^th, 2012. Prior to the second reading, the draft document receives more and more restrictions. Lawmakers currently discuss an opportunity for the introduction of a 3,000-ruble fine ($100) for smoking in public places.