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 schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA announced it will convene a Feb. 10, 2026 roundtable with small tobacco product manufacturers to gather feedback on PMTA submissions for ENDS products. The discussion will be viewable online, and a public docket is open for comments through March 12, 2026.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
Philip Morris International (PMI) said IQOS, via its “IQOS Curious X” platform, has entered a global partnership with the Zamna music festival in Tulum, Mexico, with the collaboration making its on-site debut during Zamna 2026 and targeting adult nicotine users. PMI said IQOS has more than 34 million users worldwide, while the number of adult consumers in Mexico has surpassed 140,000.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service said it has seized 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025. The crackdown follows a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes that came into force on January 1.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Maryland middle school incident: 11-year-olds found with a THC vaping device; juvenile citations issued
Maryland middle school incident: 11-year-olds found with a THC vaping device; juvenile citations issued
The BayNet reports that on Feb. 5 at about 1:35 p.m., an 11-year-old student at Davis Middle School in Waldorf, Maryland, was found in possession of a vaping device containing THC. Further investigation found that two other 11-year-old students also possessed the same vaping device at different points during the day.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Forms Global AI Partnership with Capgemini, Reinforcing Artificial Intelligence as Core Infrastructure in the Nicotine Industry
Imperial Brands Forms Global AI Partnership with Capgemini, Reinforcing Artificial Intelligence as Core Infrastructure in the Nicotine Industry
Industry Insight
Feb.19
KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G said its HNB brand lil has grown since launch, reporting KRW 7.8 billion (about US$5.304 million) in sales in 2017 and about KRW 4.3 trillion (about US$2.924 billion) in cumulative sales by last year’s third quarter, with KRW 5 trillion (about US$3.400 billion) described as within reach. KT&G said lil has entered more than 30 countries and supplies some products abroad via a partnership with PMI.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai