Ban on electronic cigarettes: what has changed since April 1 in Azerbaijan?

In Azerbaijan, the tightening of legislation in the field of tobacco product control continues.

The latest changes aimed at restricting consumption came into effect on April 1, 2026, and have already caused widespread public resonance as well as numerous questions from citizens.

As reported to 1news.az by the Public Association "Union of Free Consumers" of Azerbaijan, the changes pertain to amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Tobacco and Tobacco Products," which was adopted on June 8, 2001, and has been updated multiple times since then. The most recent amendments were approved on February 1, 2026.

According to the new regulations, starting from April 1, the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, as well as the use of electronic cigarettes are completely banned in the country. Simultaneously, provisions have been introduced into the Code of Administrative Offenses, stipulating a fine of 30 manats for using electronic cigarettes in prohibited places, including streets and other public spaces.

At the same time, as noted by the association, there has been confusion in the interpretation of the law in practice. The organization has received a large number of inquiries from citizens seeking clarification on which specific products are covered by the ban. There have also been instances of erroneous application of fines by authorized bodies.

The "Union of Free Consumers" emphasizes that the ban applies exclusively to electronic cigarettes and does not extend to heated tobacco products. These categories are clearly distinguished in the legislation.

Thus, additional definitions have been introduced into the law: heated tobacco products are defined as products containing tobacco that form a nicotine-containing aerosol through heating without combustion and without producing smoke. Such products are not considered electronic cigarettes; electronic cigarettes are defined as devices that generate vapor with or without nicotine, not classified as tobacco products, medicines, or food items.

Therefore, the restrictions do not apply to heated tobacco products or devices used for their consumption.

Nevertheless, the association draws attention to cases where users of heated tobacco products are fined due to their mistaken classification as electronic cigarettes.

"The use of heated tobacco products in places not prohibited by law does not entail any legal liability," the statement emphasizes.