According to a report by AKIPress news agency, Kyrgyzstan parliament member Shairbek Tashiev has recently proposed a new legislative initiative aimed at strengthening regulation on e-cigarettes through amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. The purpose of this bill is to protect citizens from the effects of tobacco and nicotine consumption as well as exposure to secondhand e-cigarette vapor.
As per the amendments submitted in February of this year, MP Tashiev suggests banning the import of e-cigarette cartridges filled with special liquids. The bill stipulates that individuals or enterprises violating the import ban could face fines ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 som (approximately 2200 USD) or imprisonment for up to two years.
Additionally, the proposed legislation would also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in public places (except designated smoking areas). Individuals who violate this could be fined up to 40,000 som (about 400 USD), while legal entities could face fines of up to 60,000 som (approximately 660 USD).
The sale of e-cigarettes with cartridges will also face severe penalties. Individual sellers could be fined 50,000 som (about 550 USD), while corporate sellers could be fined 65,000 som (approximately 700 USD).
The bill is currently awaiting further discussion and approval by the parliament. If passed, this will mark a significant step by Kyrgyzstan in controlling tobacco consumption.
