South Korean Lawmakers Propose Warning Labels and Graphics on Vape Devices

According to N.News on November 25th, the South Korean National Assembly and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are closely monitoring a proposed bill to add smoking warning labels or images to e-cigarette devices.

National Assembly member Jeon Jin-sook has submitted a bill to amend the National Health Promotion Act in order to strengthen e-cigarette regulation.

Currently, there are regulatory loopholes in the law regarding new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes. The existing law only requires warning labels on tobacco packaging. However, according to a new bill amendment, warning labels and images will also be required on tobacco products specified by executive order, including e-cigarettes, and their associated devices. Additionally, the amendment plans to include these devices in the restrictions on tobacco advertising.

In order to prevent teenagers from developing an interest in smoking, a proposed law aims to prohibit the use of animal photos, cartoon characters, or movie characters in tobacco advertisements. The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare has expressed strong support for this measure, believing that it is necessary to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and provide support for relevant legal amendments.

Currently, South Korea's tobacco control laws mainly consist of the National Health Promotion Act and the Tobacco Business Act. The former focuses on national health, while the latter aims to develop the tobacco industry.

The Tobacco Business Law does not include products that use minimal amounts or synthetic nicotine in its definition of tobacco. Therefore, liquid e-cigarettes are not considered traditional tobacco products, allowing for more freedom in their online and offline sales without warning labels. Additionally, these products are not subject to tobacco consumption taxes, making it easier for teenagers to access and try liquid e-cigarettes.

A survey in South Korea shows that the percentage of teenagers using e-cigarettes is on the rise. Data released by the Disease Control and Prevention Department in March 2023 reveals that the rate of high school students using e-cigarettes has increased from 2.7% in 2018 to 3.1% in 2023.