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

2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
EVO NXT will move to Prague in April 2026. As an event’s official media partner for four consecutive years, 2Firsts recently interviewed the organisers, who said the relocation reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for alternative nicotine products. They described EVO NXT as not a traditional trade fair but a business festival shaped by rapid changes in regulation, markets and technological innovation across the global nicotine industry.
Feb.03
BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan will introduce its first Valentine’s-season limited-edition colourway, “Rose Quartz,” for the glo Hilo heated tobacco device lineup, covering both the glo Hilo and glo Hilo Plus. The devices are priced at JPY 3,980 (about $25.2) and JPY 6,980 (about $44.1), respectively, and will go on sale via official channels from Feb. 9. BAT Japan will also launch a new glo Hilo-compatible virto tobacco stick variant, “virto Bright Cherry Click,” on Feb. 2.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMTA Roundtable Opens with Industry Questioning Product Characterization Standards, FDA Defends Regulatory Boundaries
PMTA Roundtable Opens with Industry Questioning Product Characterization Standards, FDA Defends Regulatory Boundaries
At the opening of FDA’s PMTA roundtable, small ENDS manufacturers warned that unclear product characterization standards are limiting their ability to invest and raise capital. FDA officials acknowledged industry concerns but said regulatory flexibility is constrained by statutory and procedural boundaries.
Feb.11
PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
Philip Morris International said it presented scientific evidence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to support its ZYN nicotine pouches seeking a modified risk tobacco product designation, which would allow the company to communicate to adult smokers that switching completely to ZYN could reduce the risk of multiple smoking-related diseases.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
At the third session of its PMTA roundtable, the FDA outlined its framework for assessing abuse liability in ENDS products, emphasizing the role of nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-specific data in APPH determinations. Small manufacturers questioned the high cost of clinical PK studies and the absence of defined numeric thresholds, while raising bridging strategies and PBPK modeling as potential alternatives.
Feb.11
Altria Reports Full-Year 2025 Results: Revenue Down 3.1%, Cigarette Volumes Slide 10% as NJOY Takes Impairment Hit
Altria Reports Full-Year 2025 Results: Revenue Down 3.1%, Cigarette Volumes Slide 10% as NJOY Takes Impairment Hit
Altria has released its full-year 2025 results, reporting full-year net revenues of $23.279 billion, down 3.1% year over year. Domestic cigarette shipment volume fell 10% for the year. on! nicotine pouches reached a 7.7% share of the U.S. oral tobacco category in the fourth quarter. NJOY posted $21 million in net revenues in Q4, while full-year net revenues were negative $13 million (mainly due to returns and related factors).
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai