Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups

Sep.20.2024

Indonesian MP Mukhamad Misbakhun suspects certain interest groups influencing e-cigarette regulations for potential company benefits.

According to the Indonesian media Liputan6 on September 19, 2024, Mukhamad Misbakhun, a member of the eleventh committee of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, suspects that certain interest groups are interfering with the regulations in the draft Ministerial Regulation on the Safety of Tobacco and E-cigarette Products (RPMK), which could benefit certain e-cigarette companies.

Mr. Misbah pointed out that there is inconsistency between Article 3 and Article 7 of the draft. Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Tobacco Control Regulations stipulates that the scope of application of the Minister of Health's regulations includes standardizing the packaging of tobacco products and e-cigarette products. Paragraph 3 of Article 3 further specifies that e-cigarette products include the following: open or refillable nicotine e-liquid systems; closed or disposable pod systems; and solid forms.

However, the first provision of Article 7 regarding standardized packaging only covers open system or refillable e-cigarette products. The second provision of Article 7 regulates the packaging of closed systems (i.e. pods). Misbah emphasized that solid e-cigarettes have not been further regulated, and he suspects that there may be influence from global tobacco companies requesting the Ministry of Health not to regulate and control solid e-cigarettes, as these products are mainly imported solid products.

Previously, the government regulation issued by the Ministry of Health on 28/2024 had sparked opposition from various parties, including stakeholders in the tobacco industry. Currently, the Ministry of Health is finalizing the RPMK draft, however, this draft is also facing criticism and opposition from various sides.

References:

[1] DPR Endus Aroma Diskriminatif di Industri Rokok Elektronik

Also Read:

[1] Controversy Surrounding Indonesia's Tobacco and E-Cigarette Regulation Draft

[2] Indonesian Government Regulation May Affect Tobacco Alternatives Industry

[3] Potential Massive Layoffs Threatened by New Indonesian Tobacco Legislation

[4] Indonesian Government Plans to Ban Branding on Tobacco Products

[5] IRA 's President Meeting with Health Minister to Discuss Trade Recommendations in Indonesia

[6] Indonesian Government Issues New Regulations Impacting Tobacco Industry in 2024

[7] Warning: Be Cautious when Buying E-cigarettee-liquid Online

#E-cigarettes #Asia #Regulation #Indonesia

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

10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives

The Maldives Customs Service has confiscated the largest single shipment of vapes since the national import ban took effect in November 2024. Officials searched a sea freight shipment on December 4 and seized 10,800 vape cartridges valued at approximately MVR 2.7 million (USD 175,000).

Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation

South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of 79 bills that, among other measures, formally classifies liquid vapes — e-cigarette products using nicotine-containing e-liquids — as tobacco products. These products will now be subject to the same taxation, sales restrictions and advertising controls as traditional cigarettes, and the vaping industry in South Korea is expected to face significant adjustments in compliance costs, market access and business strategy.

Dec.03

Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000

Wigan Council said its Trading Standards team, working with Greater Manchester Police, has seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes and vaping products across the borough in 2025. The confiscated goods, valued at around £145,000, were linked to multiple enforcement actions, including the temporary closure of retail premises and criminal prosecutions. The council said the measures aim to reduce risks posed by illicit tobacco and vape products, particularly to children.

Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Swedish Oral Pouch Manufacturer WiJo to Establish U.S. Production Base, Targeting March 2026 Start-Up

Swedish oral pouch manufacturer WiJo Pouches has announced plans to establish its first North American production facility in South Carolina, where it will lease a manufacturing site to produce nicotine, caffeine and functional pouch products. The project, expected to begin operations in March 2026 and create about 170 jobs, has secured tax incentive support from both state and county authorities.