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

Congress Calls on FDA to Allocate at Least $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement, Multi-Agency Task Force to Target Illegal e-Cigarette Imports. IKE Tech and Ispire Utilize Blockchain and Age Verification Technology to Support Regulation, Submit Chips as Part
Congress Calls on FDA to Allocate at Least $200 Million for ENDS Enforcement, Multi-Agency Task Force to Target Illegal e-Cigarette Imports. IKE Tech and Ispire Utilize Blockchain and Age Verification Technology to Support Regulation, Submit Chips as Part
Congress demands FDA allocate at least $200 million for ENDS enforcement; multi-agency task force to combat illegal e-cigarette imports.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge, Forcing Convenience Stores to Rethink Backbar Layouts
U.S. Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge, Forcing Convenience Stores to Rethink Backbar Layouts
U.S. convenience stores are restructuring backbar displays as nicotine pouches and other modern oral products gain space amid regulatory and product-mix shifts. The New York Association of Convenience Stores reports nicotine pouch sales are up over 40% this year, while some chains are trimming cigarette facings and testing zero-nicotine and herbal alternatives.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan has published amendments to its special tax system reducing taxes on heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, with some reductions reaching 50%. Under the revised rules, taxes on devices and liquids have been lowered, prompting concern among medical and parliamentary circles. The government has not issued an official explanation for the move.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore’s Underground Vape Chain Revealed:How Dispatchers, Telegram Groups, and Small “Online Shops” Form an Operating Model
Singapore’s Underground Vape Chain Revealed:How Dispatchers, Telegram Groups, and Small “Online Shops” Form an Operating Model
A vape-related case reported by The Straits Times illustrates the typical operating methods of Singapore’s underground vape trade, including Telegram-based “online shops,” centrally coordinated scheduling, and small-volume, fragmented deliveries. The case highlights the segmented and concealed nature of the country’s black-market vape network. Drawing on the report, 2Firsts uses this case as a sample to map out the structure and operational patterns of Singapore’s underground vape chain.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
Following the National Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Tobacco Business Act on September 22, redefining tobacco to include synthetic nicotine, the Korea Institute of Local Finance (KILF) estimates that local governments could gain between $37 million and $340 million in additional tax revenue in 2025 from tobacco consumption and local education taxes.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire Technology and IKE Tech issued statements after the U.S. FDA received Congressional funding and directives to strengthen enforcement against illicit vaping products. The companies emphasized updated guidance, multi-agency coordination and the role of blockchain and age-verification technologies in preventing illegal imports and protecting youth.
Nov.20