Protests Against Indonesian E-Cigarette Regulation Impact on Industry

Sep.30.2024
Protests Against Indonesian E-Cigarette Regulation Impact on Industry
Protests arise in Indonesia's e-cigarette industry against proposed regulations requiring plain packaging, threatening market innovation and growth.

According to a report by KOMPAS on September 30th, the e-cigarette industry in Indonesia has protested against the draft regulation on tobacco products and e-cigarette safety issued by the Ministry of Health. The draft regulation specifically requires packaging to use plain packaging without any branding.


Budi Yanto, the chairman of the Indonesian Personal E-Cigarette Association (APVI), stated that all sectors of the e-cigarette industry will be severely affected by the RPMK.


Budianto pointed out that this policy could greatly promote the circulation of illegal e-cigarettes in the market. These illegal products do not have taxes and could potentially have a bigger impact on the market. He emphasized that the e-cigarette industry also involves creative industries, content creators, raw materials, and other aspects. Overly strict packaging regulations will limit innovation in the creative industry.


Budianto believes that the Indonesian government should take a comprehensive approach to this policy, rather than just viewing the issue from a preventative standpoint. This is because the e-cigarette industry has made significant contributions to creating new job opportunities and increasing government revenue. With the backdrop of the new government mission target of achieving approximately 8% economic growth, as long as there is regulatory support to protect the industry's sustainable development, the e-cigarette industry can also make its own contributions.


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