South Korean city begins smoke-free zone inspections, fines e-cigarette use

Oct.22.2024
South Korean city begins smoke-free zone inspections, fines e-cigarette use
South Korean city launches smoke-free zone inspections at public facilities, fines violators through late November.

Incheon, South Korea will work with 10 districts to conduct joint inspections of smoke-free areas in public facilities by the end of November, according to KG News on October 21.

 

This inspection mainly targets the designated no-smoking areas and cigarette vending machines according to the National Health Promotion Law and regulations in various districts and counties. Any smoking behavior (including e-cigarettes) found in no-smoking areas will be fined.

 

In August of this year, the city expanded and added new smoking ban areas due to the revision of the "National Health Promotion Law." These include the areas surrounding educational facilities (kindergartens, daycare centers, elementary and secondary schools), bus and taxi stands where smoking is frequent, smoking-free streets, urban parks, squares, and smoking ban zones within apartments. In these areas, the city government will conduct focused inspections.

 

In addition, the city government will also inspect the adherence of no-smoking area signage (stickers) on smoking ban facilities, including cigarette vending machines, and the compliance of smoking rooms with facility standards.

 

A spokesperson for the municipal government said, "We plan to continue promoting and cracking down on smoking in smoke-free areas, encouraging citizens to actively participate in creating a smoke-free environment."

 

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

More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
According to the Nizhny Novgorod regional government, 550 stores in the region have voluntarily removed vapes and e-liquids from their product assortments. Regional officials said a public offer encouraging businesses to self-restrict vape sales has been in place since September 2025, and that a large retail chain with more than 40 outlets in Nizhny Novgorod joined the initiative. The regional government also said a federal ban on vape sales is expected in the near future.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Acting CTP Director Says FDA Cut Premarket Tobacco Application Backlog by About 70% Over the Past Year
Acting CTP Director Says FDA Cut Premarket Tobacco Application Backlog by About 70% Over the Past Year
FDA Center for Tobacco Products Acting Director Bret Koplow said at the American Tobacco and Nicotine Forum that the agency has reduced its premarket tobacco application backlog by about 70% over the past year and eliminated the acceptance queue. He said FDA has reviewed about 27 million applications, but only a small number have been authorized, mainly because most submissions lacked the scientific data needed to demonstrate public health benefits.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Bangkok Port Customs on April 28 announced the seizure of 52,000 complete e-cigarettes, 100 gallons of e-liquid and 126,226 canisters of nitrous oxide, with total economic damage exceeding THB 27 million, or about USD 831,178 based on an April 28 USD/THB rate of 32.484. The e-cigarette and e-liquid shipment was valued at THB 5.56 million, or about USD 171,161, while the nitrous oxide shipment was valued at THB 21.27 million, or about USD 654,784.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters: More “Made in America” Vape Products Appear in the U.S. Amid Trump Tariffs and Crackdown
Reuters: More “Made in America” Vape Products Appear in the U.S. Amid Trump Tariffs and Crackdown
According to Reuters, the U.S. vaping market has recently seen an increase in products marketed as “Made in America” amid the Trump administration’s stronger enforcement against unauthorized vape brands and increased trade tariff pressure on Chinese goods. Since October 2025, at least eight new vape brands highlighting American credentials have entered the U.S. market, and none of them has authorization for sale. Brands mentioned by Reuters include Maxus Star and OneTank.
Apr.08
FDA Defines Enforcement Focus for Unauthorized E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
FDA Defines Enforcement Focus for Unauthorized E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance on May 8, 2026, titled “Enforcement Priorities for Certain New Tobacco Products Marketed Without Premarket Authorization.” The document describes FDA enforcement policies for certain electronic nicotine delivery system products and nicotine pouch products marketed without premarket authorization.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
The FDA issued warning letters to eight retailers selling unauthorized nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco products resembling candy, breath strips and cough drops. The action highlights rising scrutiny of packaging, youth appeal and accidental ingestion risks, as the agency clarifies enforcement priorities for unauthorized ENDS and nicotine pouch products while maintaining PMTA as the legal market pathway.
Special Report
May.21