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

Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, amid bin lorries catching fire. The city council said it will launch a communications campaign next month to tell people to place batteries in special bins at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, supported by a dedicated web page listing other disposal sites.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky lawmaker proposes directing Juul settlement funds to youth vaping prevention
Kentucky lawmaker proposes directing Juul settlement funds to youth vaping prevention
A Kentucky state senator has filed Senate Bill 74 to steer settlement money the Commonwealth received from vaping manufacturer Juul Labs into youth vaping prevention and cessation efforts.
Jan.14 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
Thai Health Authorities: Nicotine Pouches Classified as Tobacco; Sales Must Comply with 2017 Act
Thai Health Authorities: Nicotine Pouches Classified as Tobacco; Sales Must Comply with 2017 Act
Thailand’s Disease Control Department has warned that nicotine pouches (“Snus”) are classified as tobacco products and must comply with the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Officials said they have received complaints about sales and promotional activities, and stressed that these products must not be displayed or promoted at points of sale.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Flash|PMI Reports 2025 Results as Smoke-Free Products Account for 41.5% of Net Revenues
2Firsts Flash|PMI Reports 2025 Results as Smoke-Free Products Account for 41.5% of Net Revenues
Philip Morris International reported full-year 2025 results on February 6, with smoke-free products accounting for 41.5% of adjusted net revenues, up from 38.7% a year earlier. Total net revenues rose 7.3% to $40.65 billion, while shipment volumes increased 1.4%, widening the gap between revenue and volume growth. Cigarette shipments declined as smoke-free volumes rose 12.8%, driven by heated tobacco, oral nicotine and e-vapor products. Results were released alongside a 9:00 a.m. EST webcast.
Feb.06
The Volume Illusion: Measuring the Future of Nicotine with the Tools of the Past
The Volume Illusion: Measuring the Future of Nicotine with the Tools of the Past
As next-generation nicotine products become economically central rather than marginal, traditional volume-based metrics are increasingly unable to explain consumption, risk, and value. Units designed for a cigarette-based economy struggle to describe systems defined by delivery speed, pharmacokinetics, and adaptive user behavior. Drawing on financial reporting, regulation, and nicotine science, a fundamental question: can the future of nicotine still be measured using the tools of its past?
Feb.09 by Alan Zhao | 2Firsts Perspectives