Indonesia's plain packaging rule for e-cigarettes sparks controversy

Oct.25.2024

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) argues that implementing plain packaging could threaten the viability of the e-cigarette industry, increase illegal tobacco products and reduce government tax revenues. Kadin is urging the Ministry of Health to reconsider or withdraw the proposal.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) believes that the implementation of regulations requiring the sale of unbranded e-cigarettes could make it even more difficult for the industry to survive during the current economic downturn, according to a report by Viva on 24 October.

Diana Dewi, chairman of the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), said the chamber was urging the Ministry of Health to reconsider or even cancel the proposed Tobacco and E-cigarette Product Safety Regulation Bill (RPMK). She pointed out that this regulation would be highly detrimental to the tobacco and e-cigarette industry and stakeholders.

Diana suggested that the Ministry of Health should first hold thorough discussions with the business community, financially interested parties, observers, trade unions and other relevant stakeholders. She believes that if this regulation is vigorously enforced, illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products may become more prevalent in the market as manufacturers will not be able to display brand identifiers.

In such a scenario, consumers may switch to illegal products, making government regulation more difficult and potentially leading to a significant reduction in national tax revenues.

References:

[1] Kadin Dorong Kemenkes Kaji Ulang Aturan soal Kemasan Rokok Polos

Also Read:

[1] Protests Against Indonesian E-Cigarette Regulation Impact on Industry

[2] Criticism Mounts Over Indonesia's Tobacco and E-Cigarette Regulations

[3] Discussion on Indonesia's No-Brand Tobacco Packaging Policy Underway

[4] Indonesia to Not Raise Tobacco Tax Rate in 2025

[5] Indef Criticizes Indonesia's Health Regulations, Warns of Economic Losses

[6] Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups

[7] Controversy Surrounding Indonesia's Tobacco and E-Cigarette Regulation Draft

[8] Indonesian Government Regulation May Affect Tobacco Alternatives Industry

[9] Potential Massive Layoffs Threatened by New Indonesian Tobacco Legislation

[10] Indonesian Government Plans to Ban Branding on Tobacco Products

[11] Indonesian Government Issues New Regulations Impacting Tobacco Industry in 2024

[12] IRA 's President Meeting with Health Minister to Discuss Trade Recommendations in Indonesia

[13] Warning: Be Cautious when Buying E-cigarettee-liquid Online

[14] Regulations Impact on Tobacco and E-cigarette Industry in Indonesia

[15] Indonesian Government's Efforts to Control Tobacco Consumption: New Regulations

[16] Indonesian Government Issues Stricter Tobacco Packaging Regulations for 2024

#E-cigarettes #Asia #Regulation #Indonesia

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