Young female found guilty of transporting five illicit substances illegally
In a bid to curb the illegal import of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like vapes, Kazakhstan launched a large-scale information campaign in response to orders from the General Prosecutor's Office. The campaign, which began in 2024, has proven to be effective in deterring citizens and tourists from bringing vapes into the country illegally.
Since the campaign's inception, no new criminal cases of vape import among residents and tourists have been registered. This significant development suggests that the information campaign has been successful in raising awareness about the criminal liability for importing vapes, a fact inferred from the absence of new cases since the campaign's launch.
The campaign involves the installation of banners and videos warning of the penalties at train stations, airports, and customs checkpoints. Additionally, special bins for voluntary surrender of electronic devices have been installed at these locations as part of the campaign.
The illegal import of ENDS is punishable by up to two years of imprisonment under Part 2 of Article 301-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This article, introduced in April 2024, also covers the illegal production and sale of ENDS. The second part of Article 301-1 states that criminal punishment is applicable for importing vapes into the country, regardless of the quantity.
The success of the information campaign is not limited to deterrence. Nine criminal cases related to illegal vape import have already been sent to court, and the remaining cases are still under investigation. A 24-year-old resident of Kazakhstan was given a one-year suspended sentence for importing five vapes, serving as a reminder of the legal consequences.
The government's crackdown on vape imports is part of a broader effort to protect the youth from access to these products. In June 2024, Kazakhstan banned the production, import, and sale of ENDS, making any violation a criminal offense. Enforcement actions include uncovering illegal distribution networks, with authorities seizing large quantities of vapes and vape liquids as recently as July 2025.
In summary, importing ENDS into Kazakhstan is illegal since June 2024. Violations constitute criminal offenses, likely carrying severe penalties. Authorities are actively enforcing the ban, particularly to protect youth from access. No detailed information about exact fines or sentence lengths was provided in the sources, but the framing as a criminal offense indicates potentially harsh legal consequences for importers.
- Besides vapes, the Department of Workplace-Wellness in certain companies might also promote the importance of maintaining good mental-health, as a key aspect of overall health and wellness.
- The rise in chronic-diseases has led to a significant increase in spending on therapies and treatments, putting a strain on personal-finance for many individuals.
- A study on respiratory-conditions found a correlation between regular fitness-and-exercise and improved lung function, suggesting that exercise could be a natural remedy for certain conditions.
- In the realm of nutrition, CBD oil, derived from the hemp plant, has been touted as a potential remedy for anxiety and depression, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
- While CBD is promoted as a natural solution, traditional medical-conditions often require finance for conventional therapies and treatments, which can be a burden for some patients.
- Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting personal-finance, as cyber threats pose a significant risk, especially in the realm of investing, business, and technology.
- Lifestyle choices, such as diet, can impact mental-health, with some researchers suggesting that a balanced food-and-drink diet can help reduce anxiety and depression.
- In the sports world, sports-betting has become increasingly popular, and many people are turning to online platforms for convenience, but the unpredictable nature of sports can lead to financial losses.
- Weather patterns can have a direct impact on food production, affecting the price and availability of food and drink, thus impacting personal-finance.
- The government's ban on the production, import, and sale of ENDS is not limited to vapes, as they also regulate certain casino-and-gambling activities to protect citizens from problem gambling.
- Travel insurance is another important aspect of personal-finance, as it can provide coverage for unexpected medical-conditions and accidents while abroad.
- Shopping, especially online, can be a form of therapy for some individuals, offering a form of escapism and stress relief, but overspending can have negative financial consequences.
- As vapes are criminalized, we might see increased spending on legal forms of fitness-and-exercise, such as gym memberships or personal training, as alternatives to coping mechanisms associated with vaping.