South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances

Key Highlights

• Law effective Nov 1, 2025, mandating full tobacco toxic substance management.
• Manufacturers/importers must test products biennially and submit results to MFDS.
• Applies to all tobacco types, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.
• Disclosure in mid-2026 via MFDS website for public access.
• Goal: promote transparency, protect public health, and support cessation efforts.

2Firsts, November 4, 2025 —South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) have officially enforced the Tobacco Harm Management Act, a comprehensive law mandating regular testing and public disclosure of toxic components in all tobacco products.

The new law, effective November 1, aims to guarantee citizens’ right to know and protect public health. Previously, cigarette packs in Korea listed only eight harmful substances—such as tar, nicotine, benzene, and naphthylamine—with only tar and nicotine showing specific content levels.

Under the new system, manufacturers and importers must commission certified testing every two years and submit results to the MFDS within 15 days. Products currently on sale must be tested by January 31, 2026, with results expected to be released in July and made public in the second half of the year.

Failure to comply may result in corrective orders, and continued violations could lead to product recall or disposal.

The MFDS will publish data on toxic composition, carcinogenicity, and health effects, covering combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes. All information will be made available through the MFDS website following review by the Tobacco Harm Management Policy Committee.

Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong stated the government will promote evidence-based prevention and cessation programs. MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyoung emphasized that authorities will maintain dialogue with the industry to ensure smooth implementation and accurate public communication.

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, of which more than 250 are toxic or carcinogenic.

Image source: South Korea's "Chosun Ilbo