South Korean Parliament Delays Regulatory Bill on Synthetic Nicotine

Feb.12.2025
South Korean Parliament Delays Regulatory Bill on Synthetic Nicotine
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.


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

Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
A vape retail company in Kuching, Malaysia, was fined RM20,000 (about USD 4,921.86) by the Magistrates’ Court on January 19, 2026, after pleading guilty to an offence under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The case concerned a poster displayed at the company’s premises on October 6, 2025, carrying the slogan “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY.”
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
PEAKBAR’s new H2O 40K has begun selling through U.S. online retailers including Vape Sourcing. Marketed as the “world’s first multi-beverage vaporizer,” the device is promoted as allowing users to add liquids such as juice and cocktails into a water chamber for pairing. Publicly listed specifications include 20 ml of e-liquid, a rated 40,000 puffs, 0.5% nicotine, a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and two power modes at 22W and 12W.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan is preparing legislation that could impose a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes. Upper house chair Rustami Emomali (Рустами Эмомали) has ordered the drafting of a bill, which is still under development. Retailers have begun scaling back sales amid tightening signals, while existing tobacco-control rules already restrict smoking in many public places and set fines.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus plans to tighten licensing for e-cigarette and e-liquid trade; Lukashenko expresses support
Belarus plans to tighten licensing for e-cigarette and e-liquid trade; Lukashenko expresses support
A report says Belarus plans to tighten, at the legislative level, the licensing of trade in electronic cigarettes and related mixtures (e-liquids). The draft law was discussed at a meeting chaired by President Alexander Lukashenko with the leadership of the Council of Ministers, according to a BelTA correspondent.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico will enforce an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes from January 16, 2026, under a reform published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) amending the General Health Law.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has filed a public civil action seeking to compel the federal government and Anvisa to establish a strict, enforceable regulatory framework for electronic smoking devices, replacing the current blanket ban. The lawsuit calls for mandatory product registration, nicotine caps, bans on youth-targeted advertising, and clear health warnings on packaging, and demands a national consumption report and an implementation timetable within 90 days.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai