BAT to Launch Synthetic Nicotine e-Cigarette in South Korea

Sep.23.2024
BAT to Launch Synthetic Nicotine e-Cigarette in South Korea
BAT plans to release a synthetic nicotine e-cigarette named "Nomad" in South Korea, taking advantage of legal loopholes there.

According to N.News on September 23rd, British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that they will be releasing a synthetic nicotine e-cigarette in November.


British American Tobacco's South Korean subsidiary revealed on the 23rd that its synthetic nicotine e-cigarette, named "Nomad", has applied for a trademark and is scheduled to be officially launched in November.


BAT hinted as early as May of this year that it was planning to launch this new product. Currently, South Korea will be the only country in the world to sell this synthetic nicotine e-cigarette.


Industry insiders believe that BAT is interested in South Korea due to the lack of clear legal regulations on synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes in the country. According to current tobacco laws in South Korea, only products made from tobacco leaves are recognized, so synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes are not considered traditional tobacco products. This allows them to be sold online and to minors without restrictions.


In addition, these synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes are not subject to taxation, which means their prices may be lower than regular tobacco and traditional e-cigarettes.


According to reports, discussions regarding legal amendments in South Korea have been stalled. During the 21st National Assembly session, four bills aimed at expanding the definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine products were proposed, but were ultimately scrapped as the parliamentary term came to an end. In the 22nd National Assembly, there are currently five related bills proposed.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Discloses First Criminal Case Over Counterfeit Vapes Disguised as “Medical Nebulizers” and “Zero-Nicotine” Products
China Discloses First Criminal Case Over Counterfeit Vapes Disguised as “Medical Nebulizers” and “Zero-Nicotine” Products
Chinese authorities have disclosed the country’s first reported criminal case involving counterfeit vapes marketed as “medical nebulizers” and “zero-nicotine” products. Authorities determined that the products involved were counterfeit vapes and pursued criminal charges for producing and selling counterfeit goods. According to the report, the case resulted in the seizure of 347,000 counterfeit vape pods and 53,700 vape devices, with physical goods valued at 22.13 million yuan.
Aug.04
North Carolina Adds $1,000 Vape Shop Tax and 21+ Age Verification Requirement
North Carolina Adds $1,000 Vape Shop Tax and 21+ Age Verification Requirement
North Carolina’s new state budget introduces additional vape retail regulations, including a $1,000 tax on vape shops and mandatory age verification requiring customers to be at least 21.
Jul.08
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
A Scottish government impact assessment estimates that proposed vape display and packaging rules could create up to £61 million ($82 million) in compliance costs for businesses, affecting more than 11,000 retail outlets. The estimated costs are mainly linked to inventory adjustments, retail storage changes and the resources required for businesses to understand and implement the new requirements. The measures form part of the UK’s broader efforts to tighten vape regulation, particularly around product displays, packaging and sales practices.
Aug.10
Product | Geek Bar Expands Meloso Lineup With the Launch of Meloso Max 2
Product | Geek Bar Expands Meloso Lineup With the Launch of Meloso Max 2
Geek Bar has added Meloso Max 2 to its official product lineup, further expanding its disposable vape portfolio. As the latest generation of the Meloso series, the new device introduces upgrades in endurance, device interaction and industrial design while reinforcing Geek Bar’s strategy of offering differentiated disposable products across multiple usage scenarios.
Jun.26
Product | Summo 150K Introduces Refillable Design With Up to 150,000 Puffs, Exploring a New High-Capacity Vape Format
Product | Summo 150K Introduces Refillable Design With Up to 150,000 Puffs, Exploring a New High-Capacity Vape Format
Summo has introduced the Summo 150K Refillable Disposable Vape, entering the ultra-high-puff vape segment with a claimed capacity of up to 150,000 puffs. The device combines a 40ml dual e-liquid system, transparent tank design, dual mesh coils and a 900mAh rechargeable battery, using a refillable structure to differentiate itself from conventional disposable vapes. The product appeared on overseas online retail channels including Vapesourcing and VapeBarTime between late June and early July 2026.
Jul.22
BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
UK retail publication Grocery Trader has published a viewpoint article from Tolga Kilic, Commercial Director for BAT UK & Ireland, discussing the impact of illicit nicotine products on legitimate retail channels. Kilic said illegal vapes and other illicit nicotine products create competitive pressure for compliant retailers and called for stronger market controls and supply-chain oversight. The comments come as the UK advances policies including the disposable vape ban and Vaping Products Duty, creating a more complex operating environment for legal vape retailers.
Jul.28