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

PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
On April 22, 2026, Philip Morris International released its first-quarter 2026 results. The report showed net revenues of $10.146 billion, up 9.1% year on year; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.96, up 16.0%; and smoke-free products accounting for 43% of total net revenues. Based on first-quarter performance, the company raised its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $8.36 to $8.51, or $8.11 to $8.26 excluding currency.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland Weighs Ban on Disposable Vapes, Tightens Rules on Nicotine Pouches
Poland Weighs Ban on Disposable Vapes, Tightens Rules on Nicotine Pouches
Poland plans to amend its tobacco control legislation, proposing a ban on disposable e-cigarettes (both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free) while simultaneously tightening regulations on nicotine pouches and other novel nicotine products. Nicotine pouches may be permitted only in "tobacco flavour" variants to reduce their appeal to young people.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadian Border Officers Seize Contraband Worth CAD 4.5 Million at Point Edward Crossing
Canadian Border Officers Seize Contraband Worth CAD 4.5 Million at Point Edward Crossing
The Canada Border Services Agency said border officers at the Point Edward port of entry in Sarnia, Ontario, seized more than CAD 4.5 million worth of illegal tobacco and nicotine vapes over a seven-day period. The agency said the contraband was entering Canada from the United States and described the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal products from entering the country and disrupt organized crime.
Mar.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Zealand Vape Company Alt Becomes Government Partner After Suing Over Nicotine Limits
New Zealand Vape Company Alt Becomes Government Partner After Suing Over Nicotine Limits
Health NZ signed a NZD 500,000 contract with New Zealand-owned vape company Alt NZ Limited in December 2025 for its free vape kit programme for smokers, with more than 7,000 kits distributed so far.
Mar.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukrainian Prosecutors and Economic Security Bureau Dismantle Illegal Vape Liquid Network Worth About UAH 30 Million
Ukrainian Prosecutors and Economic Security Bureau Dismantle Illegal Vape Liquid Network Worth About UAH 30 Million
Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General and the Bureau of Economic Security said they uncovered an illegal production and sales scheme for e-cigarette liquids that had been operating in Ukraine since 2023.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
A new study analyzing National Health Interview Survey data found that adult cigarette smoking in the United States declined to 9.9% in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. The findings, published in NEJM Evidence, represent a historic milestone in U.S. tobacco control efforts. Researchers noted that while cigarette smoking is decreasing, the prevalence of e-cigarette and cigar use remained largely unchanged, suggesting a shift in nicotine consumption rather than the elimination of tobacco use.
Market
Mar.20