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 Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products
FDA Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration renewed modified risk granted orders for five IQOS products from Philip Morris Products S.A., including two IQOS system holders and chargers and three HeatSticks products. Under the renewed orders, the products may continue to be marketed with an exposure modification claim.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
A network of e-cigarette users in Thailand has urged the new government to review the country’s vape ban, saying official data show that use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria will introduce new sales rules for nicotine products from April 1, 2026. Under a reform of the tobacco law passed in December 2025, nicotine pouches will in future be sold only through tobacco shops, while e-liquids will be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores. Other points of sale will no longer be permitted to sell these products.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spanish Congress Health Committee Approves Motion to Restrict Vape and Nicotine Pouch Sales to Authorized Channels
Spanish Congress Health Committee Approves Motion to Restrict Vape and Nicotine Pouch Sales to Authorized Channels
Spain’s Congress Health Committee has approved a non-binding motion calling for the sale of vapes, nicotine pouches, and related products to be limited to regulated authorized channels, excluding internet sales and non-specialized stores. The motion was introduced by the Socialist Parliamentary Group and approved after a negotiated text with the Popular Party.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Glas says FDA-authorized G2 vape includes age-gating technology
Exclusive: Glas says FDA-authorized G2 vape includes age-gating technology
Glas has confirmed to 2Firsts that its G2 device, which received a FDA Marketing Granted Order (MGO), incorporates age-gating technology. Based on currently public information, this means the FDA has granted an MGO to the first ENDS product confirmed to incorporate age-gating technology, validating 2Firsts’ earlier inference.
Mar.17
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
A UK bill banning the legal sale of tobacco to people born on or after January 1, 2009 has completed its passage through parliament. Under the bill, those born in that group will never be able to be legally sold tobacco anywhere in the UK. The legislation is expected to receive royal assent next week. It also gives ministers powers to strengthen public-place smoking restrictions and restricts branding, promotion and advertising of vape and nicotine products aimed at children.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai