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

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