Philip Morris Ukraine Reports Total Enforcement Failure of Legislative Ban on Flavored E-Cigarette Additives

Philip Morris Ukraine executive Mykhailo Poliakov warns that 90% of Kyiv malls still sell illegal vapes despite a 2024 ban. Industry calls for better enforcement.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Interfax-Ukraine

The Persistence of an Unregulated Market

Nearly two years after the Verkhovna Rada introduced a ban on flavored e-cigarette additives, the legislation has largely failed to curb the sale of these products in Ukraine's capital. Mykhailo Poliakov, deputy general director for corporate affairs at Philip Morris Ukraine, highlighted during a recent industry forum that illegal vape kiosks remain a staple in nine out of ten shopping centers in Kyiv. According to Poliakov, the current situation suggests a significant disconnect between legislative intent and the ground-level activities of law enforcement and regulatory agencies, who have seemingly failed to monitor or enforce compliance with the 2024 mandate.

A Vacuum in Local Level Enforcement

The primary driver behind the failure of the flavor ban is a lack of consistent enforcement at the municipal level. Poliakov argued that while parliament fulfilled its duty by adopting the necessary legislative framework, the commitment was hollow without a corresponding force to ensure regulations are followed. The tobacco industry representative noted that his company found only a single shopping center in central Kyiv that was free of illegal vape vendors. This lack of oversight has created an environment where illicit operators can thrive openly, often in high-traffic commercial areas, while law-abiding companies struggle against unregulated competition.

Creative Evasion of Tobacco Regulations

The issues extending beyond e-cigarettes include the broader tobacco market, where various legislative acts aimed at combating illegal trade are frequently bypassed through sophisticated methods. Poliakov cited examples of illegal workshops being established just kilometers away from monitored factories to avoid tax posts and video surveillance. Furthermore, some manufacturers have reportedly manipulated price stamping on cigarette packs, claiming products were manufactured years prior to the implementation of current minimum price laws. These tactics allow illicit goods to be sold at prices that do not reflect the mandatory 70 percent tax burden, further draining the national budget.