Underground Trade of Harmful Products on Korean Secondhand Websites

Aug.31.2022
Underground Trade of Harmful Products on Korean Secondhand Websites
Underage sales of harmful items like alcohol and cigarettes are happening secretly on Korean second-hand websites.

Alcohol and other harmful items such as cigarettes are being traded secretly on secondhand websites in South Korea, posing a risk to teenagers.


The news of this incident was reported by Yonhap News TV in South Korea.


Over 100 comments discussing e-cigarettes were found on posts in a black market community. Tobacco and alcohol are illegal, but transactions are conducted using slang or coded language. A young regulatory group monitored the community and found that less than 30% of sellers refused to trade when their age was disclosed.


The seller did not verify the buyer's age as an adult.... When I asked if it was okay to purchase as a minor, the seller said it was fine... My friends and I frequently use many secondhand trading platforms... If you go, you will find not only secondhand trading but also "underage purchasing agents." According to South Korea's current Youth Protection Act, individuals who sell, rent, or distribute harmful products to minors may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won (approximately $14,856 USD). Experts say that it is necessary to take measures at a societal level to prevent young people from accessing dangerous products.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry-related communication and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is intended for industry-based communication and research purposes only.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not be an exact match to the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related expressions and positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us to have it deleted.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
The EPO Technical Board of Appeal 3.2.02 (T 1319/24) revoked VMR Products LLC’s EP3613453 “VAPORIZER” patent after finding that a 2012 YouTube video of the Innokin iTaste VV (D3) disclosed the claimed electrical contact arrangement. Opponents Nicoventures Trading Ltd (BAT subsidiary) and Philip Morris Products S.A. prevailed.
BATPMI
Feb.17
California and New Jersey advance bills to curb vape-waste risks tied to facility fires
California and New Jersey advance bills to curb vape-waste risks tied to facility fires
US state lawmakers and recycling groups are pursuing 2026 measures to address safety issues linked to vape waste through legislation, take-back programs and educational outreach. California’s State Assembly passed a bill to ban disposable vape pens, while New Jersey reintroduced an extended producer responsibility bill for e-cigarettes.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey Councillor Gordon Hepner presented a notice of motion calling on council to “wage war on vaping” by strengthening controls on the sale of vaping products in the city, citing vaping as a “serious health concern,” especially among youth. Hepner said the motion directs staff to bring back the “most restrictive legally supportable” package from the City’s 2019 bylaw work to materially reduce where and how vape products can be sold, including licensing controls and enforcement.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Federal Register notice: FDA seeks comments on “Warning Plans for Certain Tobacco Products”
Federal Register notice: FDA seeks comments on “Warning Plans for Certain Tobacco Products”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notice stating it has submitted a proposed information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp Reports 15% Q4 Sales Growth as Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise
Haypp Reports 15% Q4 Sales Growth as Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise
Haypp Group announced that net sales for October–December 2025 rose 15% year-on-year to SEK 1,052.2 million, or 19% in constant currency terms. The company recorded 28% volume growth in the nicotine pouch category during the quarter. The number of orders increased to 1.34 million, and active consumers rose to 630,000, marking the highest level in the company’s history. CEO Gavin O’Dowd said the company’s accelerating topline performance in the US and UK positions it for a strong 2026.
Market
Feb.22
Malaysia health minister says court conviction over vape promotion sets key precedent for Act 852 enforcement
Malaysia health minister says court conviction over vape promotion sets key precedent for Act 852 enforcement
Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court decision to convict a known personality for promoting vape has set an important legal precedent for enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852).
Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai