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

Nebraska Lawmakers Consider Major Tax Hikes on Cigarettes, Vapes and Other Nicotine Products
Nebraska Lawmakers Consider Major Tax Hikes on Cigarettes, Vapes and Other Nicotine Products
Nebraska lawmakers are considering two tax bills targeting nicotine products. LB1124 would raise the cigarette tax from $0.64 to $1.64 per pack, while LB1238 would shift cigarettes to a 30% tax on the retailer’s purchase price and increase taxes on alternative nicotine and other tobacco products to 30%. The commentary argues the hikes could raise consumer costs, pressure small retailers, and increase cross-border shopping and illicit market activity.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
South Korea Postal Service Launches Heated Tobacco Device Recycling Program Through Nationwide Post Offices and Mailboxes
South Korea Postal Service Launches Heated Tobacco Device Recycling Program Through Nationwide Post Offices and Mailboxes
Korean postal system launches nationwide heated tobacco device recycling through post offices and mailboxes, aiming to increase recycling rates.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
The Unified Patent Court’s Court of Appeal declined on Dec. 29 to revive a European patent held by VMR Products LLC, upholding a finding that the patent is not inventive over earlier devices. The decision said adding a window in the vape’s outer shell to reveal the internal cartridge holding vape liquid was an obvious, routine adaptation based on an earlier U.S. patent and general knowledge.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary briefly appeared at the February 10 PMTA roundtable, underscoring the importance of regulatory predictability. At the close of the session, Office of Science Director Matthew Farrelly responded to industry concerns over review uncertainty, stating the agency will issue a written summary of feedback, while reiterating that no fixed quantitative risk benchmark governs authorization decisions.
Feb.11
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis adopted in final reading a bill banning the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components, through amendments to the law On Tobacco and Tobacco Products. The document states that nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes are included within the concept of tobacco products and sets out a definition of electronic cigarettes.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai