KT&G suspends orders for "Lil Hybrid 3.0" due to Vietnam ban

Feb.24

KT&G halts orders for "Lil Hybrid 3.0" due to Vietnam's e-cigarette and heated tobacco ban, supply crisis may last until June 2025.

According to a report from Newspim on February 21, KT&G, a South Korean tobacco company, has suspended orders for its heated tobacco device "Lil Hybrid 3.0" due to the impact of Vietnam's ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. This policy has led to a halt in production at the local heated tobacco assembly factory, and it is expected that the unstable supply situation may continue until June 2025.

According to industry sources, KT&G has informed convenience stores nationwide to temporarily suspend orders for the "Lil Hybrid 3.0" devices on the 21st. The supply crisis is expected to last for nearly five months. Initially, KT&G had planned to offer a trade-in program for the "Lil Hybrid 3.0" products with discounts by February 28, but due to a shortage of devices, the program has been abruptly halted. In the meantime, KT&G is guiding convenience stores to focus on selling other models such as the "Lil Able 2.0".

The reason for the unstable supply of the "Lil Hybrid 3.0" product is due to the increased regulations on heated tobacco in Vietnam. In November 2024, the Vietnamese government decided to ban the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco from 2025 onwards. Although specific regulations and penalties are still being formulated, it is expected to further restrict the import and production of heated tobacco. As a result, KT&G's production has been severely affected.

KT&G produces the "Lil Hybrid 3.0" series of heated tobacco products through a partnership factory in Vietnam for final assembly and production. Due to policy changes in Vietnam, these factories have ceased production and supply, directly impacting KT&G. The company is currently actively seeking a new production base and anticipates that this supply instability may continue for up to five months.

KT&G has stated that the supply of "Lil Hybrid 3.0" is currently affected by Vietnamese policies. They are making efforts to restore the supply as soon as possible and have emphasized that the supply of "Lil Able 2.0" is currently normal.

Related readings: Vietnam Customs General Department issues ban: Import procedures for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be discontinued starting in 2025.

References:

[1] [단독] "베트남 전자담배 공장 멈췄다"... KT&G '릴 하이브리드 3.0' 발주 중단

Also Read:

[1] Vietnam Bans Production and Import of E-cigarettes and Tobacco Products

[2] Expansion of KT&G's lil HYBRID 3.0 sales in South Korea.

[3] Limited Edition "Lil Hybrid 3.0 D-Project Edition" Available

[4] Vietnam Proposes Fines for Hiding and Using E-Cigarettes

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

Saratov Governor Supports Russian Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

Governor of Saratov Oblast, announced on his official Telegram channel that he fully supports a nationwide ban on the sale of e-cigarettes. Busargin noted that while restrictions on such products have long been in place, enforcement remains weak and health experts continue to warn of the risks posed to children. He stressed that economic interests must not outweigh public health and said Saratov is ready to enforce a ban once regional powers are granted.

Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Black Friday Meets Thanksgiving: Multiple E-Cigarette Brands Launch Discounts and Giveaways Across North America and Europe

As Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Thanksgiving shopping season arrive, e-cigarette brands such as OXVA and VAPORESSO, together with online retail platforms, have launched concentrated discount and giveaway campaigns running from mid-November to early December. Promotions include tiered reductions, sitewide discounts, bundle deals and interactive prize draws, covering North America, the UK and parts of the EU market.

Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Malaysian state of Selangor proposes sharing e-cigarette tax revenue with federal government for local enforcement agencies

Selangor, Malaysia proposes federal government share e-cigarette tax revenues for local enforcement, suggesting collaboration for better regulation.

Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

FDA Calls on Retailers to Remove Illegal E-Cigarettes from Shelves, Will Send List of Legal Products to 300,000 Stores

FDA launches national retail compliance initiative to combat illegal e-cigarette sales targeting youth, issuing guidance materials to over 300k retailers.