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

The Volume Illusion: Measuring the Future of Nicotine with the Tools of the Past
The Volume Illusion: Measuring the Future of Nicotine with the Tools of the Past
As next-generation nicotine products become economically central rather than marginal, traditional volume-based metrics are increasingly unable to explain consumption, risk, and value. Units designed for a cigarette-based economy struggle to describe systems defined by delivery speed, pharmacokinetics, and adaptive user behavior. Drawing on financial reporting, regulation, and nicotine science, a fundamental question: can the future of nicotine still be measured using the tools of its past?
Feb.09 by Alan Zhao | 2Firsts Perspectives
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
After months of debate, Russian lawmakers have retreated from plans for a nationwide vaping ban, opting instead for a single-region pilot. The shift reflects pressure from business groups and fiscal authorities, amid warnings that sweeping prohibitions could fuel illegal trade while undermining efforts to regulate the market.
Jan.22
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
As 2025 draws to a close, China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has released a white paper–style “Status Report” on e-cigarette regulation, systematically outlining its oversight framework, enforcement outcomes and international cooperation. 2Firsts provides exclusive in-depth reporting and analysis, offering insight into China’s regulatory logic and governance direction.
Dec.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Report Says Teen e-cigarette use on the rise, with majority of sales coming from disposable products
Report Says Teen e-cigarette use on the rise, with majority of sales coming from disposable products
Monitoring a Changing Tobacco Product Market in the United States is the second annual review from the Monitoring Tobacco Product Use project, analyzing retail scanner data from January 2019 to December 2024 and TEEN+ survey data.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting stakeholder feedback on a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) that would impose a blanket ban on open vape pods and e-liquids—covering use, manufacturing, importation, and distribution.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai