Kazakhstan's vaping ban fails to stop a booming black market in Almaty

Kazakhstan banned the sale, production, and distribution of e-cigarettes in April 2024. Despite the strict law, a thriving black market continues to supply vaping products, particularly in Almaty. Authorities have stepped up enforcement, but concerns remain about underage use and health risks linked to vaping. The government introduced the total ban under Article 301-1 of the Criminal Code. Violations now carry heavy penalties, including fines and prison sentences of up to five years. Yet illegal trade persists, with nearly 2 billion tenge (around $4.2 million) worth of vaping products seized in Almaty over the past year alone.

In 2025, enforcement efforts intensified. Nine criminal cases were opened, 12 online stores were closed, and three smuggling routes for e-liquids were dismantled. The crackdown led to the confiscation of 1.8 billion tenge worth of contraband. Public awareness campaigns have also played a key role. Almaty authorities organised over 220 seminars in schools and colleges, reaching more than 30,000 teenagers. The sessions aimed to highlight the dangers of vaping, which—despite being marketed as safer than smoking—poses serious health risks. Even nicotine-free vapes release vapor containing carcinogens like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which can damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Experts warn that vaping has become a gateway to nicotine addiction, especially among minors. However, no data exists on how underage vaping trends in other major Kazakh cities compare to Almaty since the ban took effect.

The ban on vapes remains in place, but illegal sales continue to challenge authorities. With billions of tenge worth of products seized and hundreds of awareness sessions held, officials are working to curb both supply and demand. The long-term impact on youth vaping rates, however, remains unclear without broader regional data.