South Korea Food and Drug Administration Investigates E-Cigarette Products

Sep.06.2024
South Korea Food and Drug Administration Investigates E-Cigarette Products
Korean authorities investigate e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine-like substances despite being labeled as nicotine-free.

According to N.News on September 6th, the South Korean Food and Drug Safety Ministry has decided to launch an on-site investigation after finding a substance similar to nicotine in nicotine-free e-cigarette liquid.


The organization stated today (6th) that some liquid inhalation products, including nicotine-like substances, are being marketed online under the guise of being "nicotine-free" products. Nicotine-like substances are chemicals with structures similar to nicotine, with methyl nicotine being a representative example.


The organization issued a warning stating that


Due to the lack of verified safety, it is advised not to inhale these products.


Currently, in products similar to cigarettes that are inhaled, those without nicotine and used to improve smoking habits are designated as over-the-counter drugs. As of now, the only nicotine-free product approved by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is "End Puff" domestically.


Prior to this, KBS reported in June on products containing substances similar to nicotine. These products do not fall under the category of non-prescription nicotine products and do not comply with the Tobacco Business Act, and are being sold online.


The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated,


From January to August of this year, we have inspected online products that falsely or exaggeratingly promote themselves as aids to quitting smoking, and have blocked a total of 448 posts. We will continue to inspect advertisements or labels that may be mistaken for non-prescription drugs.


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

BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
Based on public records reviewed by 2Firsts, this is the first time China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has publicly announced regulatory talks with an e-cigarette company.
Jul.29
Altria’s USSTC to Close Nashville Plant and Shift Operations to Kentucky by 2028
Altria’s USSTC to Close Nashville Plant and Shift Operations to Kentucky by 2028
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC), a subsidiary of Altria Group, announced plans to close its Nashville manufacturing facility by 2028 and consolidate production operations at a new facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Market
Jun.02
U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its youth e-cigarette prevention campaign, “The Real Cost,” prevented about 444,000 U.S. youth from starting e-cigarette use between 2023 and 2024 and blocked more than $42 million in unauthorized e-cigarette sales that would have been used by youth.
Market
Jun.25
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
Public health groups, pediatricians and parents sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 14, 2026, challenging a May enforcement guidance that they say allows unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to remain on the market while applications are under review.
Jul.15
Product | IVG Pro 15K Enters European Retail Channels, Expanding High-Capacity Pod System Segment
Product | IVG Pro 15K Enters European Retail Channels, Expanding High-Capacity Pod System Segment
UK vape brand IVG has introduced the IVG Pro 15K, a high-capacity pod system combining a 2ml prefilled pod with a 10ml refill container to deliver up to 15,000 puffs. Unlike conventional high-puff disposable vapes, the IVG Pro 15K adopts a reusable device structure, reflecting a broader shift in the European vape market toward longer-use-cycle products and reusable hardware ecosystems.
Jul.14
ITGA Americas Meeting Calls for Balanced Regulation as Tobacco Growers Warn of Pressure on Farms and Legal Supply Chains
ITGA Americas Meeting Calls for Balanced Regulation as Tobacco Growers Warn of Pressure on Farms and Legal Supply Chains
ITGA said tobacco grower organizations from five Americas countries called for stronger regional cooperation and balanced regulation, warning that restrictive policies could pressure farmers and legal supply chains. The article also provides data on major tobacco-producing countries in the Americas.
Special Report
Jun.02