South Korea Imposes Age Verification for E-Cigarette Sales, Fines Up to $14,000

Nov.27.2024
South Korea Imposes Age Verification for E-Cigarette Sales, Fines Up to $14,000
South Korea's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Bans E-Cigarette Sales, Imposes Up to 2 Years in Prison or $14,000 Fine for Violations; Strengthens Online and Offline Sales Monitoring in Collaboration with the Korean E-Cigarette Association to Prevent Sales to Minors

The South Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family reiterated that selling e-cigarettes to adolescents could result in penalties, according to a report by N.News on November 26th.

 

The department emphasized that age and identity verification must be conducted when selling e-cigarettes. If sold to minors, violators can be punished in accordance with Article 59 of the Youth Protection Act, with penalties including up to two years in prison or a fine of not more than 20 million Korean won (14,000 dollars).

 

The department is continuing to strengthen its supervision of both online and offline venues, providing guidance and inspections to e-cigarette vendors. It is also requesting the Korean e-cigarette association to increase cooperation efforts in order to collectively promote the implementation of the ban on sales to youth.

 

Regular age and identity verification checks will be conducted on online sales platforms. If violations are found, corrective measures will be taken, such as issuing rectification orders, to ensure that minors cannot easily access e-cigarette products.

 

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is one of South Korea's central administrative agencies and is the government department responsible for policies related to women, youth, and families.

 

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

Smoore and EVE Energy Sign Procurement Framework Agreement Covering 2026–2028 Cell Supply
Smoore and EVE Energy Sign Procurement Framework Agreement Covering 2026–2028 Cell Supply
Smoore and EVE Energy have signed a procurement framework agreement for 2026–2028, under which Smoore Group will continue purchasing battery cells and related products. The agreement sets no specific transaction amount; actual figures will be determined by future orders, reflecting both parties’ intention to secure and extend their supply chain cooperation over the next three years.
Nov.21
Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates Philip Morris International's promotion of smoke-free products, questioning potentially misleading language.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
London, UK, launches online reporting channel, seizes nearly 120,000 illegal e-cigarettes in one year
London, UK, launches online reporting channel, seizes nearly 120,000 illegal e-cigarettes in one year
The UK's London Trading Standards Agency has launched the "Speak Up, Save Lives" online anonymous reporting tool for children and young people to report illegal e-cigarette sales to combat underage tobacco purchases. The initiative has received £3.2 million (about $4.32 million) in support, which will be used to strengthen law enforcement, train law enforcement personnel, and supplement related resources.
Sep.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | HQD launches the new HQD GO in the U.S., featuring three power levels and a ~$30 price tag.
Product | HQD launches the new HQD GO in the U.S., featuring three power levels and a ~$30 price tag.
HQD has listed the disposable HQD GO on its official site and U.S. channels. The device touts 35,000 puffs, three power levels with adjustable airflow, and a 30 mg/ml nicotine strength. On U.S. retail websites, it’s priced at about $29.99.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council
Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has announced plans to ban all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco, following new advice from the Superior Health Council (CSS). The move marks a major policy shift, as the Council now fully supports flavour restrictions to curb youth vaping.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Statistics Agency: Bali Leads Nation in E-Cigarette Use; Urban Usage Climbing Sharply
Indonesia’s Statistics Agency: Bali Leads Nation in E-Cigarette Use; Urban Usage Climbing Sharply
Indonesia’s statistics agency (BPS) reports in its latest publication, Statistics of People’s Welfare 2025, that Bali has the highest share of daily e-cigarette users at 1.66%, followed by East Kalimantan (1.59%) and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (1.24%). Daily vaping prevalence is higher in urban areas (0.77%) than in rural areas (0.53%).
Oct.16