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

Global Tobacco Oversupply and Climate Risks Highlighted at ITGA Annual Meeting
Global Tobacco Oversupply and Climate Risks Highlighted at ITGA Annual Meeting
In 2025, global tobacco leaf production surged, but prices stagnated as climate change intensified farming risks. 2Firsts reports from the ITGA meeting, revealing structural challenges and transition pressures in the industry.
Sep.29
BAT France: France’s Ban on Nicotine Pouches Could Undermine EU Harmonization and Public Health Goals
BAT France: France’s Ban on Nicotine Pouches Could Undermine EU Harmonization and Public Health Goals
BAT France has welcomed the European Commission’s revision of the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED), which for the first time includes nicotine pouches under taxation, viewing it as an institutional recognition of low-risk alternatives. However, the company warns that excessively high taxation or unilateral bans by Member States (such as France’s plan to prohibit nicotine pouches) could harm public health objectives, undermine the EU single market, and encourage illicit trade.
Aug.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Photo Gallery|Nicotine Pouch Exhibitors Surge: Booth Snapshot
InterTabac 2025 Photo Gallery|Nicotine Pouch Exhibitors Surge: Booth Snapshot
InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund has officially opened. At this year’s fair, numerous nicotine pouch brands are exhibiting, with their numbers rising significantly compared with last year.
Sep.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Experts Make the Case for THR in Asia-Pacific, as Demand, Science, and Industry Drive Its Growth
Experts Make the Case for THR in Asia-Pacific, as Demand, Science, and Industry Drive Its Growth
At the inaugural AFN, Dr. Rohan Sequeira and Dr. Alex Wodak emphasized that THR offers a science-based approach to reduce smoking-related harm—not merely as an alternative to cessation. They urged policymakers across Asia to reassess tobacco control and include non-combustible products in public health strategies. This article outlines the scientific foundation of THR, its regional challenges, and growth momentum.2Firsts provided in-depth coverage of the forum.
Sep.09
France Bans Oral Nicotine Products in Forms of Pouches, Pastes, Tablets, and Liquids Starting March 2026
France Bans Oral Nicotine Products in Forms of Pouches, Pastes, Tablets, and Liquids Starting March 2026
France's Decree No. 2025-898 bans all oral nicotine products nationwide six months after publication. Medicines and medical devices are exempt. This includes nicotine pouches, gum, lozenges, and other forms, regardless of origin. The decree is based on the Public Health Code and applies to mainland France and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Sep.08
Arizona’s New Law Takes Effect: Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Tobacco Products Raised to 21
Arizona’s New Law Takes Effect: Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Tobacco Products Raised to 21
A new Arizona law effective Sept. 26 raises the minimum age to buy or possess tobacco and related products to 21. The law aligns state enforcement with the 2019 federal “Tobacco 21” standard and sets penalties for supplying to or possession by those under 21. An exception for military personnel ages 18–20 remains subject to individual service branch and base regulations.
Sep.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai