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

Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the results of the Attorney General’s Office “Operation Counter Strike” program on March 9, 2026.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California Bill Would Let Schools Include Nicotine in Student-Athlete Drug Screens
California Bill Would Let Schools Include Nicotine in Student-Athlete Drug Screens
California lawmakers are advancing a bill that would allow schools with existing student-athlete drug testing programs to include nicotine in those screenings.
Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Seeks to Keep Vape Shops Away From Schools
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Seeks to Keep Vape Shops Away From Schools
A Pennsylvania lawmaker is seeking legislation that would require newly licensed vape shops to be located at least 1,000 feet away from K-12 schools in the state. The proposal was put forward by State Representative Chris Pielli.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap
Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes significant tax hikes on tobacco and gaming to address a projected $1.8 billion shortfall in Michigan’s Medicaid funding, the report said. The plan calls for raising the per-pack cigarette tax from $2 to $3 and increasing the wholesale tax on other tobacco products from 32% to 57%.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
During its ongoing PMTA roundtable, FDA emphasized that product characterization is a foundational element in the review of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The agency underscored the need for complete product identifying information, validation and verification of test methods on the specific product type, and the appropriate use of tobacco product master files (TPMFs) to support complex or proprietary ingredients in PMTA submissions.
Feb.10
Report says illegal vapes “threaten UK high streets” as 55% of councils seized thousands last year
Report says illegal vapes “threaten UK high streets” as 55% of councils seized thousands last year
The latest annual Illegal Vapes and Nicotine Product Report says nearly 5 million illegal vapes have been seized over the last three years—equivalent to three seized every minute—with a street value of £39m (USD equivalent not provided in the source; exchange-rate basis not stated). It says 1.3 million were seized last year and that 55% of UK council areas seized thousands of illegal products over the year.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai