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

State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Chief Meets with President of South Korean Tobacco Company Wang Gongcheng also in attendance; friendly talks held between the two parties.
State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Chief Meets with President of South Korean Tobacco Company Wang Gongcheng also in attendance; friendly talks held between the two parties.
State Tobacco Monopoly Administration director Zhang Jianmin met with Korean Tobacco Company president Fang Jingwan in Beijing on October 31.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Florida Bill Proposes Wider Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Public Areas
Florida Bill Proposes Wider Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Public Areas
House Bill 389 would expand restrictions on smoking and vaping across public spaces including streets, beaches, parks, and restaurant patios. The measure, if approved, would create a statewide ban replacing local rules, and take effect on July 1, 2026.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ohio Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Retailer, Deepening State-Federal Regulatory Dispute
Ohio Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Retailer, Deepening State-Federal Regulatory Dispute
Ohio Appeals Court Rejects State Attorney General's Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Retailer, Emphasizing FDA Regulatory Authority.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s National Assembly Finance Committee voted to oppose the government’s plan in Article 23 of the 2026 budget bill to tax vaping products at €0.30/10mL for low-nicotine liquids and €0.50/10mL for others (with typical bottles priced €5–€7). Lawmakers arguing against the tax said vaping is less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can aid cessation; others warned of a gateway effect for youth and sustained nicotine dependence.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From Partnership to Acquisition: Why KT&G Is Betting on the Global Nicotine Pouch Market
From Partnership to Acquisition: Why KT&G Is Betting on the Global Nicotine Pouch Market
As global competition in the nicotine pouch market accelerates, Korea’s tobacco major KT&G has moved with a “Partnership + Acquisition” strategy, teaming up with Altria to acquire Nordic pouch maker Another Snus Factory (brand “LOOP”). Why deploy capital now, and why take this route? Drawing on company disclosures, regulatory monitoring and on-site observations from InterTabac Dortmund, 2Firsts analyzes KT&G’s strategic calculus and the signals behind this move.
Nov.05
Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence
Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence
Australia has seized more than 600,000 illicit vapes in two months, following coordinated intelligence with overseas partners. The Australian Border Force (ABF) warns that illegal vaping products now form a multibillion-dollar black market dominated by organised crime syndicates.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai