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

One Nation Proposes 50% Tobacco Excise Cut as Australia’s Illicit Market Expands
One Nation Proposes 50% Tobacco Excise Cut as Australia’s Illicit Market Expands
Australian One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has proposed cutting tobacco excise by 50% and freezing indexation until June 30, 2028, in a bid to lower legal cigarette prices and reduce the price advantage of the illicit tobacco market.
Jun.18
Trump’s Tobacco Investments and Industry Donations Draw Scrutiny as FDA Eases Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules
Trump’s Tobacco Investments and Industry Donations Draw Scrutiny as FDA Eases Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules
A report by KFF Health News says that as the Trump administration pursued a series of policies favorable to the nicotine and tobacco industry, President Donald Trump increased his holdings in tobacco companies while benefiting from substantial industry-linked political donations, prompting questions from public health advocates about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory direction.
Jun.12
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
According to Chinese patent records, a “nicotine tooth patch” application filed by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Corporation (CTHB) and Hubei Xinye Tobacco Sheet Development Co., Ltd. was published on May 19, 2026. The filing proposes a nicotine gel patch that adheres to the tooth surface, especially the lingual side, to reduce displacement, foreign-body sensation, and accidental swallowing risks associated with existing oral nicotine products.
Jun.10
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its first estimate of the illicit nicotine market, finding that about 80% of cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products consumed in 2025 came from illegal sources, reigniting debate over tobacco taxation and enforcement policies.
Jun.03
Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
According to Better Retailing, Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched Zyn Menthol Ice 16.5mg in the UK, marking the highest-strength nicotine pouch in the Zyn range to date. The eucalyptus- and menthol-flavored product is now available through PMI Open and will begin rolling out to wholesale channels from the end of May.
PMI
May.28
Charlie’s Plans Q3 2026 Pilot of America’s First Age-Gated Flavored Disposable Vape
Charlie’s Plans Q3 2026 Pilot of America’s First Age-Gated Flavored Disposable Vape
U.S. vape company Charlie’s Holdings announced plans to pilot its age-gated flavored disposable vape products in hundreds of retail stores during the third quarter of 2026. The company said the products will utilize AI- and blockchain-powered age-verification technology designed to address FDA concerns over youth access and potentially create a new compliance pathway for flavored vape products.
Jun.15