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

West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia’s House of Delegates passed the Vape Safety Act of 2026, a proposal to tighten oversight of vape and smoke shops through licensing, fees and enforcement. The bill would establish a state directory requiring vape products sold in West Virginia to have FDA marketing authorization or a pending application under FDA review to be listed, and only directory-listed products could be sold starting Sept. 1, 2026 if enacted.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia MOH: 25,643 enforcement operations and 496,247 premises inspected nationwide as of Nov. 30
Malaysia MOH: 25,643 enforcement operations and 496,247 premises inspected nationwide as of Nov. 30
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health said it conducted 25,643 enforcement operations involving inspections of 496,247 premises nationwide as of Nov.
Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
At the third session of its PMTA roundtable, the FDA outlined its framework for assessing abuse liability in ENDS products, emphasizing the role of nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-specific data in APPH determinations. Small manufacturers questioned the high cost of clinical PK studies and the absence of defined numeric thresholds, while raising bridging strategies and PBPK modeling as potential alternatives.
Feb.11
PMTA Roundtable Opens with Industry Questioning Product Characterization Standards, FDA Defends Regulatory Boundaries
PMTA Roundtable Opens with Industry Questioning Product Characterization Standards, FDA Defends Regulatory Boundaries
At the opening of FDA’s PMTA roundtable, small ENDS manufacturers warned that unclear product characterization standards are limiting their ability to invest and raise capital. FDA officials acknowledged industry concerns but said regulatory flexibility is constrained by statutory and procedural boundaries.
Feb.11