Smoking in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, smoking remains a significant public health concern. In 2024, there were approximately 2.9 million current adult smokers in the country. The adult current tobacco smoking prevalence was 20%, with a significant gender difference: 6.7% among females and 34.6% among males. Smoking-related mortality is also high in the country. In 2021, tobacco smoking caused an estimated 15,100 deaths including 2,400 female deaths and 12,700 male deaths. This shows that tobacco smoking accounted for 8.3% of all deaths in the country, with 2.83% among females and 12.92% among males that year. Kazakhstan implements several regulatory measures for tobacco products. The sale of cigarettes is allowed with specific restrictions. Under these regulations, advertising, promotion and purchase of cigarettes online and through vending machines is illegal. The minimum age for sales is 21 years, and there are restrictions for smoking in public places as well. Health warnings on packaging are required and the general taxation rate on tobacco products is 50%.
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October 01, 2025 by qazinform.com
Kazakhstan has been a regional leader in tobacco control — WHO Representative on shisha regulation and public health
The World Health Organization supports Kazakhstan's ban on shisha smoking in public places due to health risks. Shisha smoke contains harmful substances and poses dangers to users and passive smokers. The misconception that shisha is safer than cigarettes is refuted by evidence showing its links to cancer and other diseases. WHO recommends upholding the ban to protect public health, especially with the popularity of shisha among the youth. Despite economic claims, tobacco-related diseases outweigh short-term gains. Media and civil society are crucial in raising awareness, and WHO provides scientific guidance on waterpipe smoking's health effects. Kazakhstan's tobacco control efforts align with WHO standards, emphasizing public health over commercial interests.
April 22, 2024 by akipress.com
Kazakhstan bans vapes
Kazakhstan has banned vapes through amendments signed by President Tokayev. Violations will incur fines up to $16,500 and potential imprisonment. The law includes criminal penalties for importing, producing, and selling vapes, with restrictions on advertising for such products. Devices heating liquids, with or without nicotine, for inhalable aerosols are affected. The law will be enacted 60 days after publication.
August 03, 2023 by tobaccoreporter.com
Kazakhstan to Ban Vapes
Lawmakers in Kazakhstan voted on July 29 to ban the sale, import, export and production of e-cigarettes and liquids, reports Atlas News. “The harm of vapes is undeniable,” said Deputy Nurgul Tau. “That is why the Ministry of Health has been sharply raising the issue of introducing a ban on the circulation of vapes since 2021. In my request, I proposed a complete ban on the sale of vapes.”
May 06, 2021 by vapingpost.com
Kazakhstan Announces Changes in Tobacco Excise Taxes
An article on the World Bank Group pointed out that while the tobacco taxation policy practiced in Kazakhstan in 2003-2013 resulted in increased tobacco excise revenues, it was evidently not effective in terms of public health, as it did not lead to a decrease in cigarette consumption. In 2014, tobacco excise taxes were drastically increased and tobacco affordability substantially reduced, and this resulted in a decline in tobacco sales and smoking prevalence in the country. However, in 2015-2019 the nation returned to a policy of moderate tax increases.
January 08, 2021 by bloombergtax.com
Kazakhstan Tax Agency Announces Changes in Excise Taxes
The Kazakh State Revenue Committee Jan. 5 announced various excise tax changes for tobacco and alcohol products, effective for the 2022 tax year. The announcement includes: 1) an increase to 12,300 Kazakh tenge (US$29) from 11,000 tenge (US$26) per 1,000 cigarettes; 2) an increase to 11,750 tenge (US$28) from 7,345 tenge (US$17) for per kilogram of tobacco mixture for products with heated tobacco; 3) an increase to 8 tenge (US$0.019) from 5 tenge (US$0.001) per milliliter for nicotine-containing liquids; [...]