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

  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
From Brands to Supply Chains: 2Firsts Builds a PMTA Compliance Service System for the U.S. Market
From Brands to Supply Chains: 2Firsts Builds a PMTA Compliance Service System for the U.S. Market
2Firsts supports new tobacco and nicotine companies entering the U.S. market with full-chain PMTA compliance services.
Jun.04
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
U.S. premium cigar culture is shifting toward education, broader choice and deeper links to craftsmanship and origin, cigar educator Mechelle Merkerson told 2Firsts. She sees boutique brands, women consumers and production-region experiences making knowledge central to cigar participation. For global brands, retailers and emerging markets such as China, education may help turn curiosity into sustained engagement.
Special Report
Jul.06
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea began full enforcement of tobacco-style rules for synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes on June 24, 2026, with fines of up to 100,000 won for use in non-smoking areas and enforcement focus on online sales, raw nicotine liquids and products falsely marketed as nicotine-free.
MarketNews
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
New convenience store industry data show nicotine pouches have become the primary growth driver in the tobacco category, with oral nicotine sales rising nearly 30% over the past year while vape sales declined.
Business
Jun.05
AHA Journal Study: WS-23 Triples Premature Heartbeats, Raising Concerns Over Vape Cooling Agents
AHA Journal Study: WS-23 Triples Premature Heartbeats, Raising Concerns Over Vape Cooling Agents
A University of Louisville research team published a study in an American Heart Association journal suggesting that synthetic cooling agents used in e-cigarettes, including WS-3 and WS-23, may disrupt cardiac electrical activity and increase arrhythmia risk. In animal experiments, WS-23 tripled premature heartbeats.
Jun.16