South Korea’s Revised Tobacco Business Act to Take Effect, With Penalties for Unauthorized Sales

Key Takeaways

• The revised Tobacco Business Act will take effect on April 24, and synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be included in the legal tobacco category.
• Businesses selling synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes must obtain tobacco retailer designation from the competent authority.
• Businesses that continue sales without designation may face up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to KRW 5 million (approximately USD 3,450, based on 1 KRW = 0.00069 USD).
• Existing businesses that sold such products before December 23, 2024 may apply for a grace period on the 50-meter distance rule until April 23, 2028.
• Businesses covered by the special measure may sell only synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes; if they also sell ordinary tobacco products, their retailer designation will be revoked.

2Firsts, March 25, 2026

According to Media Incheon, with the revised Tobacco Business Act set to take effect on April 24, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be included within the legal definition of tobacco, and businesses wishing to sell such products must apply for tobacco retailer designation from the relevant authority.

Synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be brought under legal tobacco regulation from April 24

The original report said synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will then be treated as legal tobacco under the law. Retail outlets wishing to continue selling the products must first obtain tobacco retailer designation from the competent authority.

If a business continues selling without designation, it may be subject to penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to KRW 5 million (approximately USD 3,450, based on 1 KRW = 0.00069 USD).

Existing sellers before December 23, 2024 may receive a grace period on the 50-meter distance rule

The report said existing businesses that had sold the products before December 23, 2024 may, by submitting supporting documents, receive a temporary grace period from the 50-meter distance restriction between retail outlets until April 23, 2028.

However, businesses covered by this special measure may sell only synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. If they also sell ordinary tobacco products, their tobacco retailer designation will be cancelled.

Applications may be filed with local township offices or the county government by visit or by mail

The report also said that after the grace period ends, the businesses must satisfy the distance requirement and newly obtain tobacco retailer designation.

Applications may be submitted in person to the relevant township office or the Economic Policy Division of Ongjin County, depending on the business location, and may also be filed by mail.

An Ongjin County official said all retailers are expected to comply with the revised law in order to protect residents’ safety and maintain sound business order.

Image Source: Media Incheon