Global Epidemic

Russian Federation

Consumption

  • More than one-third (39 percent) of the population in Russia smokes.
  • An estimated 60 percent of men and 22 percent of women smoke.
  • Among youth (age 13-15), one-fourth (25 percent) smoke.
  • Russia has one of the highest male smoking rates in the world and one of the highest youth smoking rates in Eastern Europe (boys 27 percent; girls 24 percent).

Health Consequences

  • Approximately 330,000-400,000 Russians die each year from tobacco-related causes.
  • In 2002, tobacco was responsible for more than 17 percent of all deaths in Russia.
  • Russian male life expectancy dropped from 64 years of age in 1989 to 59 in 2009, in part due to increased tobacco consumption.
  • By comparison, men in Western Europe live, on average, 77 years.

Tobacco Industry

International tobacco companies dominate Russia’s cigarette market, holding over 90 percent of the cigarette market share in Russia. In 2008, Japan Tobacco held 37 percent of the market share, followed by Philip Morris International (25 percent), British American Tobacco (20 percent) and Imperial Tobacco Group (9 percent). In Russia, more than 390 billion cigarettes were sold in 2008.

FCTC Status

Russia ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on June 3, 2008.

Tobacco Control Policy Status

Smoke-free environments: In Russia, smoking is completely banned on the metro and buses. Smoking is also banned in other indoor workplaces and public places, however the law allows for these areas to have designated smoking areas/rooms.

Advertising, promotion and sponsorship: Advertising outdoors and in public transport is banned. However, advertising is still allowed in indoor areas, including in transport facilities such as metro and train stations, and airports. There is no ban on tobacco industry promotion, sponsorship, or indirect advertising.

Warning labels: In June 2010, Russia implemented the new regulations requiring health warnings on 30% of the front and 50% of the back of pack. These regulations do not ban misleading descriptors such as "light" and "low-tar".

Tobacco taxes: Cigarettes in Russia are cheap and becoming more affordable over time. On average, the total tax (including VAT) represents about 35% of the retail price for cigarettes. Despite signs that the government may be considering tobacco tax increases, there is no evidence that excises will increase significantly.

Updated: February 2012