The Health Ministry included a proposal to mandate uniform packaging for tobacco products in its latest plan to combat tobacco consumption, various sources said.

Although the concept plan for 2016-2020 has not been finalised, Health Ministry spokesman Oleg Salagai briefed media on aspects of the programme, according to a website account that was confirmed by a person familiar with the Russian tobacco sector. Among the reported proposals is prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to persons born after 2014, including after they reach the legal smoking age of 18. Tax increases also reportedly are under consideration.