Smoking in Ukraine
Smoking is legally allowed in Ukraine but there are some restrictions for tobacco products including cigarettes. Based on these regulations, the sale and use of cigarettes are legal, and importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. Tobacco advertising is regulated which bans on all forms of advertising. Purchasing cigarettes online is permitted; however, sales from vending machines are prohibited. Additionally, the law requires health warnings on all packaging, sets a minimum legal age of 18 years for sales, and includes legal restrictions on smoking in public places. A total taxation rate of 70.66% with a specific excise rate of 37.80% are applied on cigarettes. The prevalence of smoking among adults in Ukraine is notable. Data from 2024 indicate that 6.6 million individuals aged 15 years and older were current smokers. This indicates that the adult current smoking prevalence was 20.4% overall, with a significant gender disparity: 35.7% of males and 7.6% of females were smokers. In comparison, in 2020, the estimated number of smokers was 8,462,024, with an overall prevalence of 23.3% among adults, 40.4% among males, and 9% among females. For reference, the adult daily smoking prevalence in 2016 was 20.1%, with a prevalence of 35.9% among males and 7% among females. In terms of smoking-related mortalities, there were 74,279 deaths attributable to smoking in 2021, including 12,290 female and 61,989 male deaths. Smoking-related deaths accounted for 9.94% of all deaths in the country, with 3.2% among females and 17.05% among males. These figures highlight the significant public health challenge posed by smoking in Ukraine.
Read articles from Ukraine
April 08, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com
Ukraine Moves to Ban Nicotine Pouch Sales to Minors
Ukraine is moving to tighten regulation of nicotine pouches as part of broader efforts to address youth nicotine use. A proposed law would introduce a ban on the sale of these products to minors, alongside new restrictions on advertising and promotion. The initiative reflects concerns that existing tobacco control legislation does not adequately cover newer nicotine products such as pouches and snus, leaving regulatory gaps. Lawmakers have pointed to rising tobacco and nicotine use among young people as a key driver behind the proposed changes. In addition to youth protection measures, the proposal also includes wider updates, such as stronger enforcement against e-cigarette components and enhanced health warning requirements. The move highlights a broader trend of governments updating legislation to keep pace with the rapid evolution of nicotine products and consumption patterns.
August 15, 2023 by cannadelics.com
From Vaping to Warfare: How Ukraine Uses Disposable Vape Batteries Against Russia
In an unexpected turn of events, disposable vape batteries from Ukraine are being repurposed to aid in the war against Russia. These batteries are being used to power devices in the conflict, showcasing the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian forces.
July 11, 2023 by tobaccoreporter.com
Flavored Vaping Ban in Ukraine Begins Tomorrow
A ban on advertising e-cigarettes in Ukraine, including heated-tobacco products, goes into effect on July 11. Flavored electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS) products are also banned.
The advertising rule applies to all types of media, including the Internet, social media, public transportation, and public events.
“The advertising, sales promotion and sponsorship of electronic cigarettes, liquids used in them, and devices for consumption of tobacco products without burning them (including IQOS and glo devices) will be prohibited from 11 July 2023,” according to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
September 30, 2020 by interfax.com.ua
Rada adopts at first reading bill banning sale of e-cigarettes to minors
The Verkhovna Rada adopted at first reading a government bill banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to persons under the age of 18, at the same level as traditional tobacco products.
Relevant bill No.3628 on amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine concerning strengthening the liability for offenses in selling electronic cigarettes and liquids used in electronic cigarettes to minor children was supported by 272 MPs at a meeting on Tuesday.