Indonesia’s New E-cigarette Rules Spark Industry Controversy

Nov.11.2024
Indonesia’s New E-cigarette Rules Spark Industry Controversy
The draft regulation on tobacco and e-cigarette safety in Indonesia faces criticism for potentially damaging market positions.

According to Jpnn on November 11, Indonesia's Ministry of Health's draft regulation on the safety management of tobacco and e-cigarette products (RPMK) has faced criticism from some as a discriminatory policy that could harm the market position of e-cigarette brands.

 

Brand and marketing expert Yuswohady pointed out that brands signify not only product quality but also play a crucial role in market differentiation. If tobacco products shift to plain packaging, it could negatively impact both businesses and consumers. This policy could lead to a decline in business performance, as consumers may opt for lower-priced products, overlooking quality factors. 

 

Additionally, Yuswohady pointed out that consumers might feel confused when choosing products, struggling to identify quality items. Yuswohady emphasized that such homogenization of packaging might lead to brand disappearance, flooding the market with low-cost products and pushing consumers to focus more on price than quality.

 

Furthermore, lower prices could lead to an influx of illegal products into the market, resulting in unfair competition. He expressed concern that the e-cigarette market could regress due to competition between inexpensive illegal products and legitimate products.

 

Yuswohady urged the government to reconsider this draft policy, noting that the e-cigarette industry encompasses an extensive value chain, including tax revenue, which is a significant contribution to national income.

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

Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences reconstructed nicotine biosynthesis in non-tobacco plants and yeast systems, highlighting how advances in synthetic biology could gradually reshape future nicotine production technologies and challenge regulatory frameworks built around tobacco-derived definitions.
Special Report
May.07
Indonesia to Step Up Vape Surveillance as Concerns Rise Over Drug-Laced E-Cigarettes
Indonesia to Step Up Vape Surveillance as Concerns Rise Over Drug-Laced E-Cigarettes
Indonesia will strengthen surveillance of vapes amid growing concerns over drug-laced e-cigarettes. The National Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, or BPOM, will soon take charge of monitoring nationwide vape distribution and said it will work with the National Narcotics Agency, or BNN. BNN recently floated a plan to completely ban e-cigarettes, saying a total ban was the only way to prevent liquid narcotics.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Says Its Smoke-Free Transition in Spain Now Has Economic Impact Above EUR 3.3 Billion
Philip Morris Says Its Smoke-Free Transition in Spain Now Has Economic Impact Above EUR 3.3 Billion
Philip Morris said it is accelerating its transition toward smoke-free products in Spain and claimed that the related economic impact now exceeds EUR 3.3 billion. Philip Morris also said that more than 90% of nicotine consumption in Spain still comes from conventional cigarettes, leaving room for growth in smoke-free categories, while regulation and taxation remain major obstacles in its view.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026, WHO released its first global report on nicotine pouches, warning that rapid market growth, youth-oriented marketing and weak regulation are converging. 2Firsts views the report as an important warning, but not a complete risk assessment, with harm-reduction questions still unresolved.
Special Report
May.17
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized two fruit-flavored vaping products from Glas, but a newly released agency memo shows the products did not demonstrate greater smoking-cessation benefits than tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. The Associated Press said the findings are likely to raise further questions about the FDA’s regulatory rationale and standards for flavored vaping products.
Jun.12
ZYN by IQOS to Roll Out Across Tokyo From May 11 Through IQOS Shops and Lawson
ZYN by IQOS to Roll Out Across Tokyo From May 11 Through IQOS Shops and Lawson
Philip Morris Japan announced on April 23 at a product briefing that ZYN by IQOS, an oral tobacco pouch previously launched in selected areas, will expand sales in Tokyo. The company said the product will be released progressively from May 11 through IQOS shops, Lawson and other outlets in the city. The launch will include four flavors, each offered in Low and Medium intensity levels, for a total of eight products.
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai