E-cigarette Importer Loses Lawsuit Over Cigarette Tax in South Korea

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.26.2024
E-cigarette Importer Loses Lawsuit Over Cigarette Tax in South Korea
Korean e-cigarette liquid importer loses $1.892 million in lawsuit over tobacco tax classification, court rules against importer.

According to a report from the South Korean news agency YNA, an e-cigarette liquid importer lost 25.2 billion Korean won (18.92 million US dollars) in a lawsuit over "cigarette taxes." The importer argued that they did not qualify as "cigarettes" under the law because they extracted their materials from tobacco stems rather than leaves, but this argument was not accepted. The Seoul Administrative Court ruled against importer A in their lawsuit to cancel the National Health Promotion Fee. A company did not pay tobacco taxes as they had declared that the e-cigarette liquid raw materials were extracted from tobacco stems rather than leaves, but after a customs investigation, they were charged 25.2 billion Korean won for the National Health Promotion Fee. The court ruled that the liquid imported by company A used tobacco waste including leaf veins, making it difficult to consider it as solely using tobacco stems.

 

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

Before the Boom:  Why Manufacturing Is Becoming the Deciding Factor in U.S. Nicotine Pouches — An Interview with Rena World
Before the Boom: Why Manufacturing Is Becoming the Deciding Factor in U.S. Nicotine Pouches — An Interview with Rena World
As the U.S. nicotine pouch market moves toward regulatory clarity and rapid growth, attention is shifting from demand to execution. In an interview with 2Firsts, U.S.-based manufacturer Rena explains why manufacturing capacity, quality systems, and compliance readiness are becoming decisive factors before the market fully takes off.
Jan.19
German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has expressed clear support for banning disposable e-cigarettes, citing safety hazards, environmental damage, and waste management risks. While the ban has not yet been finalized, Germany’s parliament has instructed the government to examine the proposal. Several European countries, including Belgium, France, and the UK, have already implemented similar bans.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s Nov. Vape Exports to U.S. Hold at $549 Million, Sustaining High After October’s $591 Million Peak
China’s Nov. Vape Exports to U.S. Hold at $549 Million, Sustaining High After October’s $591 Million Peak
China’s Nov. vape exports to the U.S. held at $549 million, following October’s $591 million record. 2025 YTD exports reached $3.72 billion, officially eclipsing 2024’s full-year total. This $1.14 billion 60-day surge signals a critical inventory overhang, heightening financial and regulatory risks for manufacturers.
Dec.22
Dalton, Georgia considers new licensing rules and caps for vape shops
Dalton, Georgia considers new licensing rules and caps for vape shops
Dalton, Georgia is weighing a proposal to require city licenses for vape shops, limit how many can operate within city limits, and impose a 1,000-foot buffer for new shops from schools and other community facilities. City officials say the ordinance would not eliminate existing vape shops outright, though some may be impacted if ownership changes or licenses expire.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying  PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Polish Government to Amend E-Cigarette Definitions, Applying PLN 40 Excise Tax to Magnetic-attachment Devices
Poland plans to amend its excise tax regulations on e-cigarettes to address a loophole created by the emergence of electromagnetic iMagnetic-attachment devices in 2025. Under the proposal, products incorporating ferromagnetic components will be classified as e-cigarettes and subject to an excise tax of PLN 40 (about USD 11.2) per unit. The revised rules are expected to take effect 14 days after promulgation.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Top Administrative Court Suspends Nicotine Pouch Decree
France’s Top Administrative Court Suspends Nicotine Pouch Decree
France’s Council of State has suspended a government decree that was set to ban the manufacture, production and export of nicotine pouches from April 2026. The court ruled that companies were not given sufficient time to reorganise their operations. A final decision on the legality of the decree is expected by June 2026. The court noted that the commercial sale of nicotine pouches is already restricted under existing public health laws.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai