The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic has begun discussions on a draft resolution regarding a temporary ban on the import of electronic cigarettes into the country.
Goals and Objectives
This draft is aimed at implementing Article 15-1 of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the Protection of Citizens' Health from the Consequences of Tobacco, Nicotine Consumption, and Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Aerosol," which comes into effect on July 1, 2025.
According to the law, the import of electronic cigarettes into the territory of the country will be subject to a ban.
The initiative is aimed at protecting citizens' health, preventing the onset of nicotine addiction, especially among youth, as well as reducing the risk of diseases related to the use of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
Content of the Draft
A temporary ban on the import for six months of the following goods is proposed:
electronic cigarettes and nicotine delivery systems, in which the nicotine liquid is contained in one unit (HS code EAEU 2404 12 000 0);
liquids containing nicotine in cartridges, tanks, and other containers for use in electronic cigarettes (same code).
The Ministry notes that in recent years there has been a sharp increase in the import of electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids, mainly from China. These products are becoming popular among youth, creating a risk of early addiction and threatening the health of future generations.
Import Statistics
According to the State Customs Service, the volume of imports of electronic cigarettes and liquids amounted to:
- in 2023 — approximately 50 tons,
- in 2024 — more than 83 tons,
- in the first four months of 2025 — about 12 tons.
- China,
- South Korea,
- United Kingdom,
- Hong Kong,
- Germany,
- Kazakhstan.
The draft emphasizes that the World Health Organization considers electronic cigarettes a serious threat to public health.
As a participant in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Kyrgyzstan is committed to taking measures to protect citizens from exposure to tobacco and nicotine-containing products, including their new forms.
Expected Outcomes
The planned temporary ban is intended to achieve the following goals:
- implementation of legislative norms,
- prevention of nicotine addiction,
- protection of youth,
- strengthening the public health system.
