Belarus eyes tougher controls on electronic cigarette trade

Belarusian authorities are preparing new legislation to significantly tighten licensing requirements for the trade in electronic cigarettes and related liquids, a draft law that was discussed during a meeting between President Aleksandr Lukashenko and senior members of the Council of Ministers, BelTA reports.

Addressing the issue, Lukashenko said medical professionals are increasingly alarmed by the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes, particularly among young people, including university and secondary school students.

“Medics are worried about the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes, especially among young Belarusians,” the president said. “Appeals to restrict and even totally ban their production and trade are being made increasingly often.”

At the same time, Lukashenko cautioned against unintended consequences, warning that excessive restrictions could fuel illegal trade. He recalled that vaping products had already been widespread in Russia when Belarus first introduced them.

“There is no border. We don’t have to allow it. But who will benefit from it?” he said. “Things will be imported from over there. They already have been imported as much as you like. We decided to level the playing field. Or not? And now we come to this bill. As far as I understand, today we have to decide whether to be or not to be.”

The president acknowledged that he does not consider himself an expert on smoking or alcohol consumption and called on specialists to provide clear explanations about the health risks of vaping.

“They say that vaping is worse than tobacco. We will consider things and make an appropriate decision,” Lukashenko said. “The key thing is that I am absolutely against both alcohol and smoking. Smoking is a terrible thing. Medics know for sure that the primary cause of lung cancer is smoking.”

He stressed the need to strike a balance, urging officials to carefully discuss the issue before finalizing the legislation.

Following the meeting, Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Artur Karpovich said two options had been considered while drafting the law: a complete ban on electronic smoking systems or stricter legislative regulation.

By Vafa Guliyeva