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

    Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau Moves to Advance E-Cigarette Regulatory System 2.0
Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau Moves to Advance E-Cigarette Regulatory System 2.0
The Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau recently held the city’s 2026 e-cigarette regulation work conference to implement higher-level meeting requirements, review the city’s e-cigarette regulatory work in 2025 and during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, assess the current situation, and deploy the rollout of E-cigarette Regulatory System 2.0 across Shenzhen’s tobacco commercial system.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alaska AG warns 1,500+ retailers to stop selling unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches
Alaska AG warns 1,500+ retailers to stop selling unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches
Alaska’s attorney general has sent warning letters to more than 1,500 retailers and distributors, cautioning them against selling tobacco products — including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches — that lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute a Section 337 investigation into certain disposable and other closed-system electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) devices and components thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-1486). The investigation stems from a complaint filed on January 13, 2026 by R.J. Reynolds entities based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, supplemented on February 3, 2026.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Opens Applications for Vaping Products Duty and Duty Stamps Scheme From April 1
UK Opens Applications for Vaping Products Duty and Duty Stamps Scheme From April 1
HM Revenue and Customs announced that from April 1, 2026, UK vaping product manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers can apply for approval under Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme (VDS). Under new GOV.UK guidance, Vaping Products Duty will take effect on October 1, 2026 and will apply to all vaping liquids, whether they contain nicotine or not.
Apr.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s Revised Tobacco Business Act to Take Effect, With Penalties for Unauthorized Sales
South Korea’s Revised Tobacco Business Act to Take Effect, With Penalties for Unauthorized Sales
With the revised Tobacco Business Act set to take effect on April 24, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be included within the legal definition of tobacco in South Korea. According to information released by Ongjin County, businesses wishing to sell these products must obtain tobacco retailer designation from the relevant authority.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine Tobacco Control Coalition Backs Raising Legal Age for Vape and Tobacco Products to 25
Philippine Tobacco Control Coalition Backs Raising Legal Age for Vape and Tobacco Products to 25
A coalition of health and child rights advocates in the Philippines said it supports Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s call to raise the legal age restriction for vape and tobacco products from 18 to 25. The group said scientific evidence shows that the brain of a young person continues to develop until the mid-20s, and that nicotine exposure during that period can cause lasting impairment in impulse control, learning, and mood regulation.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai