South Korean Parliament Delays Regulatory Bill on Synthetic Nicotine

Feb.12.2025

South Korean Parliament's committee delays regulation on synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes due to opposition from some members, impacting sales.

According to a report by N.News on February 12th, the South Korean National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee's Economic and Financial Subcommittee once again postponed the handling of the amendment to the Tobacco Business Act regulating synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes due to opposition from some lawmakers.

During the meeting that day, some lawmakers led by Jung Tae-ho from the Together Democratic Party and Park Dae-chul from the People Power Party mentioned that the regulation of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes could affect the livelihoods of around 4,000 synthetic nicotine sellers, and therefore opposed the immediate passage of the bill. Some lawmakers argued that the interests of sellers should not be prioritized over public health, but this viewpoint was not accepted. The committee decided to further discuss the bill after consulting with the Ministry of Finance on whether it would lead to price increases and impact sellers' opinions. The tobacco industry believes that with the schedule for further discussion uncertain, the passage of the law is now unlikely in this session of parliament.

Recently, there has been news that a synthetic nicotine e-cigarette company has launched a service allowing customers to order through a mobile app and receive instant delivery, indicating that these products have penetrated the online delivery market. A tobacco industry insider pointed out that further delaying the regulation of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will only further threaten public health and expand tax loopholes.

References:

[1] 쇼핑몰·자판기 파고든 ‘합성니코틴'… 국회는 업자 생존권 운운, 규제 외면[현장에서]

Also Read:

[1] Legislation on Synthetic Nicotine E-cigarettes Stalls in South Korea

[2] South Korean Parliament Urges Taxation and Regulation of E-cigarettes

#Legislation #Asia #South Korea #Synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes

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

ZYN Nicotine Pouches Seek MRTP Authorization; FDA Sets January Meeting

The U.S. FDA has scheduled a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting for January 22, 2026, to review Swedish Match USA’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Although the products gained PMTA authorization in early 2025, MRTP approval is required for marketing them with reduced-risk claims.

Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Vietnam’s Health Ministry Proposes Including E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco in the Investment Law Ban List

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to the Government Office recommending that “e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products” be added to the list of prohibited investment and business sectors in the amended Investment Law. The proposal aligns with National Assembly Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, which bans the production, trade, import, and use of these products starting in 2025.

Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Vietnam Drafts Administrative Penalties for E-Cigarette Use, Setting Fines up to USD 380

Vietnam plans to formalise penalties for e-cigarette and heated tobacco use under a draft decree. Individual users could be fined VND 3–5 million (USD 114–190), while premises allowing use face fines up to VND 10 million (USD 380). Higher penalties apply to business violations.

Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

BAT accused of “utter hypocrisy” over efforts to dilute Zambia’s tobacco bill

The Guardian reports that British American Tobacco urged Zambian ministers to drop or delay ad and sponsorship bans and to soften a draft tobacco bill by shrinking health warnings, easing flavour restrictions and lowering penalties. Critics said the stance is hypocritical given similar rules apply in the UK.