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

Oct.25.2024
 Indonesia's plain packaging rule for e-cigarettes sparks controversy
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.
 

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

Singapore Sentences Malaysian Lorry Driver to 27 Weeks Over Cross-Border Vape Smuggling
Singapore Sentences Malaysian Lorry Driver to 27 Weeks Over Cross-Border Vape Smuggling
A 32-year-old Malaysian driver, Mohammad Fakaruddin Mohd Rosli, was sentenced to 27 weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to smuggling more than 14,000 vapes and components into Singapore and later attempting to leave the country illegally by hiding in another lorry’s cargo hold.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, will seek Cabinet approval today for the publication of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which proposes banning the retail sale of single-use or disposable vapes six months after becoming law. The measure aims to address the growing use of disposable vapes, particularly among young people, and close regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products such as pouches.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand to Establish Inter-Agency Committee to Strengthen E-Cigarette Enforcement
Thailand to Establish Inter-Agency Committee to Strengthen E-Cigarette Enforcement
The Thai government will establish an inter-agency committee under the Prime Minister’s Office to address the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among youth. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum said the fragmented enforcement across multiple laws and agencies has created gaps. The new mechanism will coordinate enforcement, report directly to the Cabinet, and propose legal amendments if current laws are insufficient.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval
Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval
Advocates say the economic authority’s decision contradicts national health goals and violates a Supreme Court directive banning new tobacco ventures.
Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland’s Ministry of Health has proposed legislation to ban all disposable e-cigarettes — both with and without nicotine — under a new amendment to tobacco product laws. The government aims to protect youth from nicotine addiction while reducing public health and environmental harm. Medical professionals largely support the move but call for balanced harm-reduction strategies.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Monitor | FOGER website flags customs & tariff delays; some products out of stock
2Firsts Monitor | FOGER website flags customs & tariff delays; some products out of stock
2Firsts observed on FOGER’s online retail site “FOGER VAPES” that the platform indicates restocking delays due to customs and tariff factors. Several items show limited availability or “sold out” status, with a restock alert feature offered. A previous article on the site also referenced potential tariff changes that may affect pricing.
Nov.05