South Korea speeds up synthetic nicotine legislation, regulatory report due year-end

Oct.31.2024
South Korea speeds up synthetic nicotine legislation, regulatory report due year-end
South Korea to classify synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes as equal in harm to traditional nicotine, aiming to include them under the "Tobacco Law." Final report expected by year-end.

South Korean government is preparing to release a report equating the harm of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes to that of traditional nicotine in order to bring them under the scope of the "Tobacco Law," according to an October 30 report by N.News.

 

The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently submitted an interim report to the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee, stating that "both tobacco and synthetic nicotine liquids contain a high level of harmful substances (carcinogens and reproductive toxins)." 

 

The report emphasizes the need to regulate synthetic nicotine liquids similarly to traditional tobacco due to the high presence of harmful substances.

 

This report contradicts the stance of synthetic tobacco companies, which have previously claimed that purified synthetic nicotine is less harmful than traditional nicotine. 

 

However, the government’s findings indicate that synthetic nicotine still contains a substantial amount of harmful substances.

 

The report suggests that terms like "tobacco-free" or "pure substance" may mislead consumers and recommends avoiding such descriptions in product labeling. 

 

The government plans to release the final report by year-end, potentially calling for regulatory measures on synthetic nicotine products.

 

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

Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.
Jan.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Washington Policy Media Flags Surge: China’s Monthly Vape Exports Jump from 2.2M Kg to 14.8M Kg; Crackdown Effectiveness Questioned
Washington Policy Media Flags Surge: China’s Monthly Vape Exports Jump from 2.2M Kg to 14.8M Kg; Crackdown Effectiveness Questioned
The Washington Examiner on December 9, 2025, reported: China's vape export volume to the U.S. rebounded sharply from 2.2 million kilograms to 14.8 million kilograms despite the crackdown. This volatility, confirming the annual multi-billion dollar trade gap, is the "Bullwhip Effect" in action. It transfers massive inventory to the U.S. market, putting the working capital of Chinese manufacturers and the supply chain at severe risk of lock-up and failure. Regulatory escalation is now imminent.
News
Dec.11
Former Malaysian Health Minister Allegedly Rejected RM50 Million Bribe Over GEG
Former Malaysian Health Minister Allegedly Rejected RM50 Million Bribe Over GEG
A former political aide has alleged that a RM50 million bribe was offered to Malaysia’s then health minister to abandon the tobacco generational end game (GEG) policy. The claim was published in an opinion article and on social media. No report was made to anti-corruption authorities. Despite the alleged rejection, the GEG provision was later removed from the tobacco bill tabled in Parliament in 2023.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul Labs has asked a U.S. federal court to prevent NJOY and Altria from using documents stored in a public UCSF database in an ongoing patent lawsuit, arguing they are protected by attorney–client privilege. The defendants say the files have long been public and may contain evidence relevant to Juul’s patent conduct.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Great Wall Cigar explores global industrial cooperation via embassy visits in Beijing
Great Wall Cigar explores global industrial cooperation via embassy visits in Beijing
A delegation from the Great Wall Cigar Factory of China Tobacco Sichuan Industrial Co., Ltd. recently visited the embassies of Cuba, Morocco, and Indonesia in Beijing to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation and trade expansion.
Dec.08
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
On January 19, 2026, the Australian Government launched a new phase of the “Give Up For Good” campaign, adding resources and support for Australians looking to quit smoking and vaping.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai