In Kazakhstan, the state strictly regulates the minimum retail prices (MRP) for tobacco products. Attempting to attract customers with discounts or selling cigarettes below the established threshold is not marketing — it is a direct administrative offense.

⚠️ What Does the Law Say?

Selling tobacco products below the minimum retail price (MRP) entails liability under the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

• Heavy Fines: The amount of the fine depends on the business category (ranging from small enterprises to large retail chains). Repeated violations significantly increase the penalty amounts.
• Confiscation of Products: In addition to the fine, all tobacco products sold or intended for sale in violation of the rules are subject to mandatory confiscation.
• Suspension or Revocation of Licenses: Systematic violations risk losing the right to sell excisable goods.

📌 Current Minimum Prices

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan regularly updates the minimum price threshold for a pack of 20 cigarettes:

• Starting January 1, 2026 — at least 970 KZT.
• Starting August 1, 2026 — at least 1,060 KZT.

Selling cigarettes even 1 KZT cheaper than this amount is strictly prohibited.

💡 What Should Store Owners and Retailers Do?

1. Check Your Price Tags: Ensure that no item in your tobacco inventory is priced below the official minimum threshold.
2. Update Your POS Database: Block the ability for cashiers to manually apply discounts or lower tobacco prices at checkout.
3. Instruct Your Staff: Cashiers must understand that selling cigarettes "at the old price" or "as a favor" exposes the business to heavy fines and product confiscation.

Stay compliant with the law and protect your business from unnecessary financial losses!

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-zhetysu/press/news/details/1280115?lang=ru