Key Points
- South Korea issued a notice specifying harmful substance testing for tobacco products;
- Cigarettes and heated tobacco products must test 44 components, including nicotine and tar;
- Liquid e-cigarettes are required to test 20 components;
- Manufacturers and importers must submit test results to authorities;
- Testing methods are based on WHO and ISO standards.
2Firsts, December 18, 2025 – According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), South Korea has issued a notice specifying the harmful substances subject to testing and the corresponding testing methods for tobacco products.
Under the notice, cigarettes and heated tobacco products are required to test 44 substances, including nicotine and tar. Liquid e-cigarettes are required to test 20 substances, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, and glycerin. The testing methods were developed with reference to standard methods established by international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The notice was prepared following deliberation by the Tobacco Harmful Substance Management Policy Committee and review by the Regulatory Reform Committee, in accordance with the Tobacco Harmful Substance Management Act.
Tobacco manufacturers and importers are required to commission harmful substance testing for each product from laboratories designated by the MFDS and submit the results to the authority.
The MFDS said it is developing additional testing methods to improve the accuracy of harmful substance analysis and plans to gradually strengthen tobacco product oversight based on scientific evidence. The notice is expected to serve as an institutional foundation for systematic management of tobacco harmful substances and enhanced public health protection.
Image source: Dailian
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
