South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances

Nov.04

South Korea has enacted the Tobacco Harm Management Act, effective November 1, 2025, requiring tobacco manufacturers and importers to test and report harmful substances in their products every two years. Results for all tobacco types—including combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes—will be publicly available from mid-2026.

Key Highlights

Law effective Nov 1, 2025, mandating full tobacco toxic substance management.
Manufacturers/importers must test products biennially and submit results to MFDS.
Applies to all tobacco types, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.
Disclosure in mid-2026 via MFDS website for public access.
Goal: promote transparency, protect public health, and support cessation efforts.

2Firsts, November 4, 2025 —South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) have officially enforced the Tobacco Harm Management Act, a comprehensive law mandating regular testing and public disclosure of toxic components in all tobacco products.

The new law, effective November 1, aims to guarantee citizens’ right to know and protect public health. Previously, cigarette packs in Korea listed only eight harmful substances—such as tar, nicotine, benzene, and naphthylamine—with only tar and nicotine showing specific content levels.

Under the new system, manufacturers and importers must commission certified testing every two years and submit results to the MFDS within 15 days. Products currently on sale must be tested by January 31, 2026, with results expected to be released in July and made public in the second half of the year.

Failure to comply may result in corrective orders, and continued violations could lead to product recall or disposal.

The MFDS will publish data on toxic composition, carcinogenicity, and health effects, covering combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes. All information will be made available through the MFDS website following review by the Tobacco Harm Management Policy Committee.

Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong stated the government will promote evidence-based prevention and cessation programs. MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyoung emphasized that authorities will maintain dialogue with the industry to ensure smooth implementation and accurate public communication.

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, of which more than 250 are toxic or carcinogenic.

Image source: South Korea's "Chosun Ilbo

References:

[1] 담배 유해성분 검사·공개 의무화…"흡연 예방, 금연 돕는다"

Also Read:

[1] South Korea Plans Unified Regulation for Synthetic and Look-Alike Nicotine Products

[2] South Korean Parliament advances revision of tobacco law to include synthetic nicotine products, expected to generate $6.3 billion in tax revenue

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

Special Report | After the Shortage: How the U.S. Vape Market Is Rebuilding Itself

After a wave of regulatory crackdowns, the U.S. vaping market is undergoing a deep reshuffle — shortages sparked frenzy, and resupply triggered elimination. Through interviews with industry insiders from both China and the United States, 2Firsts reveals how the American market is rebuilding itself amid turbulence.

Nov.12

China’s E-Cigarette Exports Rise to USD 1.098 Billion in October 2025, Up 23.7% Year-on-Year as U.S. Demand Surges

China’s e-cigarette exports reached USD 1.098 billion in October 2025, rising 24.8% month-on-month and 23.7% year-on-year, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China. Export concentration increased to 83.11%, with the U.S. market contributing the largest share of monthly growth.

Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate

South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.

Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Ireland Taoiseach Calls for Phasing Out Vapes as Cabinet Considers Ban on Single-Use Devices

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland should work toward eliminating the use of vapes over time, as the Cabinet meets to consider the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, proposed by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The bill would ban the retail sale of single-use vapes six months after it becomes law.