Korean Government Implements Tobacco Harm Management Act

Key Points:

1. Starting from November 1st, the South Korean government will require tobacco manufacturers and importers to conduct harmful ingredient testing on traditional cigarettes, HNB, and e-cigarettes. Tobacco manufacturers must complete harmful ingredient testing within three months and submit results, with the earliest public disclosure to be made in the second half of next year.

2. Traditional cigarettes and HNB need to be tested for 44 components, while e-cigarettes need to be tested for 20 components. There is also consideration to add a QR code to cigarette packages and establish a committee to ensure the fairness of testing.

3. Synthetic nicotine and other products will be regulated once the amendment to the Tobacco Industry Law is passed.

2Firsts, reporting from Shenzhen - According to N.News on March 24, South Korea will officially implement the Tobacco Harm Management Act starting on November 1. This law aims to educate the public on the harmful components of tobacco and their effects on the human body. 

In preparation for this new regulation, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are speeding up their efforts to prepare the necessary implementation guidelines.

The core of this policy lies in the mandatory testing and public disclosure of harmful components in tobacco products. Yoo Hyun-jung, the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said that the testing will cover traditional cigarettes, HNB, and e-cigarettes. While internationally standardized methods exist for testing 44 components in the emissions of traditional cigarettes and HNB, there is currently no standardized method for testing e-cigarette emissions. Therefore, a proprietary method will be used to test 20 components, including nicotine, in e-liquids.

According to the new law, tobacco manufacturers and importers must test their products for harmful components within three months of the law's implementation, and submit the results to the Ministry of Food and Drug. The results of the testing will be publicly disclosed on the official website starting in the second half of next year.

In order to enhance consumers' convenience in accessing information, relevant departments are discussing the possibility of adding QR codes to cigarette packs. Additionally, the government will establish a "Tobacco Harm Management Policy Committee" to ensure the accuracy and fairness of testing results and prevent tobacco companies from distorting or abusing the data.

Furthermore, regarding synthetic nicotine and similar products not yet covered by this regulation, Yoo Hyun-jeong said that the Tobacco Industry Law amendment is currently being discussed in parliament. Once passed, these products will also be included within the regulatory oversight and their ingredients will be tested and disclosed.

Yoo Hyun-jeong, added:

"While it may not be possible to dispose of all tobacco ingredients and make them public, taking the first step itself is significant. We will continue to improve during the implementation process to ensure that consumers can accurately understand the harmful ingredients in tobacco and make healthier consumption choices."