Moscow, July 23, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin approved new amendments to the Russian Criminal Code aimed at strengthening the fight against the illegal circulation of tobacco and nicotine-containing products. These changes will come into force 10 days after official publication and were introduced within the framework of Federal Law No. 234-FZ, adopted on July 23, 2025.
Amendments to the Russian Criminal Code
Article 171.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal circulation of unmarked alcohol and tobacco) has been clarified. Now, liability may arise for the production and circulation of not only tobacco but also nicotine-containing products, if they lack proper marking or do not contain mandatory information.
A large-scale violation will be considered a sum exceeding 100,000 rubles, and an especially large-scale violation will be considered a sum exceeding one million rubles.
Article 327.1 of the Russian Criminal Code introduces criminal liability for the creation and use of counterfeit excise and identification marks intended for alcohol and tobacco products. The following penalties are provided:
- A fine of up to 500,000 rubles;
- Compulsory labor for up to three years;
- Imprisonment for up to three years with a fine of up to 120,000 rubles.
Purpose of the Changes
According to the resolution, the law is aimed at preventing and stopping crimes related to the production and circulation of illegal products. It also strengthens control over product marking, which contributes to increasing market transparency and protecting consumer interests.
Expert Comments
Experts in the field of tax and administrative law note that the new amendments reflect a stricter approach to tax administration and consumer rights protection. According to lawyer Ivan Smirnov, “such measures not only strengthen administrative control but also reduce crime in this market segment.”
