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

FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 5, 2026 that it authorized the marketing of four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The authorized products are Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold and Sapphire pods, each containing 50mg/ml, or 5%, tobacco-derived nicotine.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian business groups are trying to persuade the authorities to abandon plans to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related liquids at both the federal and regional levels.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts held its second U.S. PMTA compliance training in Shenzhen, providing a systematic overview of the U.S. regulatory framework for e-cigarettes and corporate compliance strategies. Nearly 20 industry professionals from manufacturing, e-liquid and supply-chain companies attended. Participants who passed the exam received compliance certification. Registration for the third training session will open soon, alongside customized corporate training programs.
Mar.09
Imperial Tobacco Canada Responds to Anti-Smoking Groups on Youth Vaping
Imperial Tobacco Canada Responds to Anti-Smoking Groups on Youth Vaping
Imperial Tobacco Canada responded to the April 17 press conference by anti-smoking groups by calling for a more focused, fact-based discussion on youth vaping that targets the illicit market. The company said youth should not be using nicotine products and that it supports strong measures to prevent youth access, but argued that the discussion failed to clearly distinguish between the regulated market and the illicit market that is driving youth access.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bulgarian Police Seize More Than 56,500 Heated Tobacco Sticks in Sofia Operation
Bulgarian Police Seize More Than 56,500 Heated Tobacco Sticks in Sofia Operation
Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry said two men aged 48 and 50 were detained during a specialised police operation in Sofia’s Krasna Polyana district for distributing e-cigarettes and tobacco without excise stamps.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarette and e-liquid in new draft law, citing dangerous substances found.
Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai