South Korea this week began a full ban on the online sale of liquid electronic cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine. The product must also include warning labels as on conventional cigarettes.
Citing Yonhap, Thursday, April 23, this policy was announced by the South Korean Ministry of Finance a day before the revision of the Tobacco Business Law came into force. In the new rules, the definition of tobacco is expanded. Not only tobacco leaves, but also nicotine, both natural and synthetic.
This change makes liquid electronic cigarettes made from synthetic nicotine officially under government supervision. Therefore, manufacturers and importers must obtain approval from the Minister of Finance and register with the provincial government before selling their products.
The product will also be subject to taxes, including individual consumption tax, when circulating in the market. However, the government provides a 50 percent tax reduction for the next two years to reduce its impact on the market.
The new rules also tighten sales and promotions. Online sales are prohibited. Sales to minors are also prohibited. Promotional activities are blocked. In addition, opening a product, adding other substances, then selling it again will be considered illegal. The use of liquid electronic cigarettes is also prohibited in smoke-free areas.
Manufacturers are required to stick pictures and warning labels on packaging. They must also open product content information, including nicotine levels. Testing for harmful substances must be carried out every two years. Meanwhile, the inclusion of flavoring ingredients on the label is also prohibited.
The Ministry emphasized that sellers who want to sell directly to consumers must first be designated as tobacco retailers by the local government.
In addition, the South Korean government also plans to immediately assess the safety of "analog nicotine" products, such as 6-methylnicotine. This type of product is currently not classified as tobacco, but is used by inhaling. The results of the assessment will be the basis for the government to determine the next security measures and regulatory responses.
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