Russia lifts three-decade ban, allowing unrestricted civilian gas mask sales from 2027

Beginning in March 2027, Russia will allow the unrestricted commercial sale of certified civilian gas masks, including models designed for children. This policy shift comes after Vladimir Putin issued a decree that eliminated gas masks from the list of products whose sale had been restricted since 1992. The Emergency Situations Ministry explained that the country previously lacked official standards for personal respiratory protective equipment, leading to the presence of low-quality and counterfeit items on the market, some imported.

With the new regulation, the ministry will monitor product quality to ensure safety. The decree formally takes effect in March 2027, opening the market to a broader range of approved masks.