Russia bans the sale of Durex: Reactions on social networks

On June 16 Russian state health monitor Roszdravnadzor banned the sale of British Durex condoms. At the time Durex was the second most popular condom brand in Russia, after Contex.

In the words of Roszdravnadzor chief Mikhail Murashko, the prophylactics were banned because Durex had been registered in the wrong way. "Medical products must go through technical and toxicological testing, and all this needs to be inspected by Roszdravnadzor," TASS news agency quoted Murashko as saying.

RBC Daily writes that Durex's problems began when the company was registering its products and did not mention all the different condom names (Classic, Real Feel, Extra Safe, etc.). This prompted the ban. The Durex brand itself is still permitted but all 11 types of condoms are banned.

Market rebound

But Durex has not disappeared in Russia for good. The producer has already filed the necessary documents with Roszdravnadzor and if the body does not find any problems, the company's prophylactics will return to the shelves. It is not clear, however, how long the re-registration will take. For now Durex can only sell lubricants and gels in Russia. These products are not banned.

Murashko noted that Russia will not remain "unprotected," since more than 60 condom brands are registered in the country.

Social media reaction

Russians concerned about the ban on Durex have poured out their feelings on social networks.

The sympathizers immediately expressed their condolences with a popular idiom: "Je suis Durex"

@riarip je suis DUREX

— Bob Farber (@Bobchensk) 16 June 2016

Lovers of conspiracy theories searched for a secret plot:

"There are rumors that the ban on Durex in Russia had been lobbied by the Fruto Nanya Company (the largest producer of baby food)"

По слухам, запрет презервативов Durex в России лоббируют представители компании "Фруто Няня".

— Sergey Ionov (@ionovtlt) 16 июня 2016 г.

Analysts, remembering Russia's experience with import substitution in the last couple of years, also offered some brave conjectures:

"To substitute Durex prophylactics the government will improve domestic production at the Yaroslavl tire plant"

Для импортозамещения и взамен запрещенных презервативов Durex будет налажено производство отечественных изделий на Ярославском шинном заводе

— Записки сумасшедшего (@Pavel_XII) 16 June 2016

Some recalled recent incidents of the destruction of sanctioned products:

"Putin: 'You mixed it all up! It is the tomatoes that must be squashed. Condoms must be pricked."

Pessimists offered a sad conclusion to the story:

"Russians have begun washing used Durex condoms after every use"

россияне начали стирать запрещенные презервативы Durex после каждого использования

— Озорник Ын (@ozornik_IN) 16 June 2016

The entrepreneurial types think that the ban on Durex is a good opportunity to make money:

"Selling Durex in good condition, without mileage"

Продам Durex в хорошем состоянии,без пробега по России

— Дмитрий (@vlasta771) 16 June 2016

Photoshop wizards quickly imagined how the condoms would be sold illegally:

"Psst!... Want some Durex?"

ПССС!..Не хочешь немного дюрекса?#Durex#скрепы#взаимныйфоллов#взаимноpic.twitter.com/IL4vq3aI7V

— MORETH (@MORETH_official) 16 June 2016

And philosophers recalled eternal values:

"Who needs these Durex while there's still no ban on Doshirak [a kind of Russian pot noodle] and vodka that costs 190 rubles [$2.80]?

Кому вообще нужны эти Durex, когда остались не запрещенными доширак и водочка по 190 рублей?

— Бублер (@alcolawyer) 17 June 2016

Read more: Beating the border guards: 5 classic contraband cases from Russia>>>

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