Korean Consumer Group Urges Immediate Action on False Advertising of Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes

The Korean Association for Consumer Sovereignty has once again called on tobacco companies to immediately halt their exaggerated and false advertising of nicotine-free e-cigarettes. They also urged the Korean Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to swiftly implement appropriate regulatory measures, according to a report by Dtoday on December 3.

A recent investigative report by KBS News on June 21 revealed that nicotine-free e-cigarettes being sold in the market were found to contain a substance called "methyl nicotine," which mimics the effects of nicotine.

There is a regulatory gap when it comes to non-nicotine and nicotine-like products. As a result, sellers have been promoting "synthetic or nicotine-like e-cigarettes" as "nicotine-free e-cigarettes" for distribution and sale. Nicotine-free products are often marketed as a smoking cessation aid, but they also serve as a gateway for youth smoking.

The Korean Association for Consumer Sovereignty expressed concern that these products could negatively impact public health, particularly among the youth, and increase smoking rates. They strongly urged the Korean FDA to immediately stop false advertising and mislabeling by sellers of nicotine-free e-cigarettes.

Currently, South Korea has the highest tax rate on e-cigarettes in the world. According to a report by the Korea Institute of Public Finance, the tax rate on e-cigarette liquids is approximately 1,799 KRW per milliliter, which is about 3.6 times higher than the state of Connecticut in the U.S. (492 KRW per milliliter). The high tax has forced tobacco vendors to seek alternative tax-free options. In response, some businesses have started selling liquid e-cigarettes as either non-flavored liquids or diluted nicotine products.

In 2016, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety started including nicotine-free products in safety management after the "humidifier disinfectant incident." However, in 2023, when some manufacturers inquired about regulations for nicotine-free products, the ministry stated that a comprehensive assessment of the ingredients, content, and effectiveness was required.

Subsequently, the sales of nicotine-free e-cigarettes surged. The KBS investigation found that all six products tested from three different companies contained "methyl nicotine," an ingredient not disclosed on the labels.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare pointed out that synthetic nicotine is not yet included under tobacco regulation, and discussions on nicotine-like substances are premature. However, the ministry suggested that if necessary, the Korean FDA could carry out a hazard assessment.