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

FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
China’s vape-related exports fell 10.25% year on year in May 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly decline, although exports recovered modestly from April. January-May exports totaled US$4.018 billion, down 0.86% from a year earlier and broadly in line with 2025 levels.
Special Report
Jun.29
Special Report|Haypp’s Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise 40%: Who Controls the Digital Shelf for Modern Oral?
Special Report|Haypp’s Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise 40%: Who Controls the Digital Shelf for Modern Oral?
Haypp Group reported a 40% year-on-year increase in nicotine pouch volumes in the first quarter of 2026, with U.S. and U.K. volumes rising 123% and 102%, respectively. Haypp says around 97% of its consumer traffic is organic and that its Media & Insights business provides brand owners with on-site visibility, trial activation and consumer intelligence. For international tobacco companies, Haypp may be both a growth partner for modern oral products and a new source of channel leverage.
Special Report
May.22
PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
Philip Morris International says about 43 million adults worldwide now use its smoke-free products, with nearly 70% having stopped using cigarettes and smoke-free products accounting for about 43% of its net revenues.
Jun.18
Innovation, Insights and Networking: NUBIZ Brings the Global NGP Industry Together in Dortmund
Innovation, Insights and Networking: NUBIZ Brings the Global NGP Industry Together in Dortmund
The market for next-generation products is expanding rapidly, with vapes, e-cigarettes, pouches, snus and heat-not-burn products among the industry’s most innovative segments. As part of InterTabac, NUBIZ provides a central platform for reduced-risk tobacco and nicotine products, bringing together global leaders and newcomers from 15 to 17 September. The show combines market insights, product comparisons, networking, a high-level conference programme and exclusive side events.
Jun.03
 Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
According to Reuters, Philip Morris International (PMI) lowered its 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share forecast amid regulatory uncertainty around Zyn nicotine pouches, rising competition and shipment pressure in the U.S. market.
PMI
Jun.02