Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups

Sep.20.2024
Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups
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.


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

Singapore hikes vape penalties: users face up to S$10,000; importers up to 9 years
Singapore hikes vape penalties: users face up to S$10,000; importers up to 9 years
Singapore Parliament passes law to significantly increase penalties for e-cigarette possession, use, import, and sale, effective May 1.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria will introduce new sales rules for nicotine products from April 1, 2026. Under a reform of the tobacco law passed in December 2025, nicotine pouches will in future be sold only through tobacco shops, while e-liquids will be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores. Other points of sale will no longer be permitted to sell these products.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cyprus Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches Expected to Reach House Plenary in Early April
Cyprus Bill to Regulate Nicotine Pouches Expected to Reach House Plenary in Early April
A proposed law to regulate nicotine pouches in Cyprus is expected to reach the House plenary session in early April. The bill, submitted by Diko MP Chrysis Pantelidis, aims to establish a regulatory framework governing the marketing, composition and quality of nicotine pouches currently circulating on the market and to incorporate them into existing smoking control legislation.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hillsborough County Public Schools to install vaping detection sensors across all high schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools to install vaping detection sensors across all high schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced it will install vaping detection sensors across all high schools in Hillsborough County as part of what officials called a “proactive step” toward healthier and safer learning environments. District staff said the sensors are intended to help reduce vaping on campus, support student well-being and encourage positive behavior change.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore man, 21, assisting investigations after video allegedly shows him vaping on a bus
Singapore man, 21, assisting investigations after video allegedly shows him vaping on a bus
A 21-year-old man in Singapore is assisting with investigations after a video allegedly showing him vaping inside a bus went viral on social media. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said via its Instagram Stories that it had identified the man and seized e-vaporisers and 12 pods from his home on Feb 3. Vape-related penalties were strengthened from Sept 1, with first-time adult users liable to a $700 fine, and third-time offenders prosecuted and fined up to $2,000.
Feb.06
Sesh Launches 200-Pouch Refill Bag, Expanding Retail Unit Size in U.S. Nicotine Pouch Market
Sesh Launches 200-Pouch Refill Bag, Expanding Retail Unit Size in U.S. Nicotine Pouch Market
According to a LinkedIn post published by Sesh CMO Josh Metz on February 25, 2026, Sesh Products has introduced a 200-pouch nicotine pouch refill bag sold with a reusable metal can. In a U.S. MO market dominated by 20-pouch plastic cans, the product offers a larger retail unit size. The company lists a standard price of USD 49.99, with a uniform 15% discount currently applied, bringing the price to USD 42.49.
Innovation
Feb.25