The Vape Club Show, one of Russia’s largest exhibitions for vaping products, returned to Moscow in 2025 amid tightening regulations and shifting consumer trends. As the government debates stricter vaping laws, this event showcased the industry’s resilience, with new innovations, regulatory challenges, and a growing black market.
This article explores the key highlights, trends, and controversies from this year’s expo and what they mean for the future of vaping in Russia.
1. What is the Vape Club Show?
- Location: Moscow (Crocus Expo or Expocentre)
- Frequency: Annual
- Organized by: Leading Russian vape distributors and industry groups
- Key Focus Areas:
- E-cigarettes, mods, and disposable vapes
- E-liquids and nicotine products
- Vape accessories and tech innovations
- Regulatory discussions and advocacy
- Main Attendees:
- Vape manufacturers (Chinese and Russian brands)
- Wholesalers and retailers
- Vape enthusiasts and influencers
2. 2025 Highlights: Trends Shaping Russia’s Vape Market
A. The Rise of Disposable Vapes
- Chinese brands (ELFBAR, HQD, Maskking) dominate the market.
- Flavor bans in the West make Russia an attractive market for manufacturers.
B. Regulatory Crackdowns & Loopholes
- Proposed flavor and nicotine restrictions – The government considers stricter rules.
- Gray market thrives – Many products enter via Kazakhstan and Belarus.
C. Domestic Vape Production Growth
- Russian e-liquid manufacturers expand to avoid import bans.
- Custom mods and DIY vaping gain popularity among enthusiasts.
D. Health Debates & Industry Defense
- Pro-vape advocates argue for harm reduction compared to cigarettes.
- Anti-vape campaigns push for stricter controls, especially for teens.
3. Challenges Facing the Industry
- Uncertain regulations – Potential flavor bans or sales restrictions.
- Counterfeit products – Flooding the market due to lax enforcement.
- Payment issues – Some Chinese suppliers refuse ruble transactions due to sanctions.
4. Who’s Buying? Key Consumer Trends
- Young adults (18-35) – The largest consumer segment.
- Ex-smokers – Switching to vaping for perceived health benefits.
- Online sellers – Driving growth through Telegram and Wildberries.
5. Future Outlook
✅ Short-term (2025-2026): Disposable vapes will continue dominating, but regulations may tighten.
⚠️ Long-term (2030+): Possible prohibition of flavored vapes or a state monopoly.
Conclusion
The Vape Club Show 2025 will reveal an industry at a crossroads—booming in popularity but facing increasing scrutiny. While Chinese imports and local manufacturers thrive today, future regulations could dramatically reshape the market.