BAT limits 'Nomad' sales to offline stores under political and public pressure

Nov.05.2024

BAT is believed to have restricted the sale of its synthetic nicotine e-cigarette "Nomad" to offline vape specialty stores, likely due to political and public pressure.

BAT Rothmans, the Korean subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has decided to stop selling synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes in convenience stores and online, according to an October 5 N.News report.

Today (5th), a representative from BAT announced that the synthetic nicotine e-cigarette "Nomad," slated for launch this month, will only be available at offline vape specialty stores.

Under current South Korean law, nicotine products synthesized chemically, rather than derived from tobacco leaves, are not classified as "tobacco" and are therefore not subject to the online sales ban. However, BAT’s decision to forgo online sales is seen as a response to political and public pressure, aiming to avoid "exploiting regulatory loopholes."

With synthetic nicotine regulations soon to be on the legislative agenda, BAT may find it challenging to benefit from online sales in the long term.

An official from South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare predicted that relevant research findings will be released by the end of the year, with formal legislative discussions expected to begin next year.

In addition, convenience stores are excluded from BAT's sales network for synthetic nicotine products. Responding to recent reports of a "convenience store industry rejection proposal," BAT clarified that there was "never a plan to sell through convenience stores."

Meanwhile, BAT's other e-cigarette product, "Vuse Go," is currently available in convenience stores.

References:

[1] BAT 합성니코틴, 편의점 제동에 "온라인도 판매 안 해"

Also Read:

[1] South Korea speeds up synthetic nicotine legislation, regulatory report due year-end

[2] South Korean Industry Insiders: E-liquid Monthly Consumption Expected to Plummet by 60%

[3] BAT’s synthetic nicotine vaping launch in South Korea faces regulatory hurdles and market resistance

[4] South Korea: E-liquid Prices May Surge 5-Fold Amid Synthetic Nicotine Regulation

#Asia #Regulation #South Korea #Synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes

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