Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups

Sep.20.2024
Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups
Indonesian MP Mukhamad Misbakhun suspects certain interest groups influencing e-cigarette regulations for potential company benefits.

According to the Indonesian media Liputan6 on September 19, 2024, Mukhamad Misbakhun, a member of the eleventh committee of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, suspects that certain interest groups are interfering with the regulations in the draft Ministerial Regulation on the Safety of Tobacco and E-cigarette Products (RPMK), which could benefit certain e-cigarette companies.


Mr. Misbah pointed out that there is inconsistency between Article 3 and Article 7 of the draft. Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Tobacco Control Regulations stipulates that the scope of application of the Minister of Health's regulations includes standardizing the packaging of tobacco products and e-cigarette products. Paragraph 3 of Article 3 further specifies that e-cigarette products include the following: open or refillable nicotine e-liquid systems; closed or disposable pod systems; and solid forms.


However, the first provision of Article 7 regarding standardized packaging only covers open system or refillable e-cigarette products. The second provision of Article 7 regulates the packaging of closed systems (i.e. pods). Misbah emphasized that solid e-cigarettes have not been further regulated, and he suspects that there may be influence from global tobacco companies requesting the Ministry of Health not to regulate and control solid e-cigarettes, as these products are mainly imported solid products.


Previously, the government regulation issued by the Ministry of Health on 28/2024 had sparked opposition from various parties, including stakeholders in the tobacco industry. Currently, the Ministry of Health is finalizing the RPMK draft, however, this draft is also facing criticism and opposition from various sides.


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

West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
West Virginia’s House of Delegates passed the Vape Safety Act of 2026, a proposal to tighten oversight of vape and smoke shops through licensing, fees and enforcement. The bill would establish a state directory requiring vape products sold in West Virginia to have FDA marketing authorization or a pending application under FDA review to be listed, and only directory-listed products could be sold starting Sept. 1, 2026 if enacted.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan parliament passes third-reading amendments introducing e-cigarette penalties, effective April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan parliament passes third-reading amendments introducing e-cigarette penalties, effective April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has adopted, in its third reading, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences introducing fines and confiscation for the use of e-cigarettes and their components, as well as import, export, production, wholesale and retail sales, and storage for sale.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona Lawmaker Pushes Alternative Nicotine Product Bill as Enforcement Concerns Emerge
Arizona Lawmaker Pushes Alternative Nicotine Product Bill as Enforcement Concerns Emerge
Arizona Representative Jeff Weninger’s HB 4001 is being presented as a new tool to crack down on retailers that sell vaping devices and other nicotine products to minors. The bill would create a licensing system for manufacturers and distributors of “alternative nicotine products” and impose fines for sales to people under 21, with penalties reaching USD 10,000 for a fourth violation within 24 months.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesian vape retailers’ association tells members to halt sales to under-21 customers
Indonesian vape retailers’ association tells members to halt sales to under-21 customers
The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association (Arvindo) has instructed all member stores to stop selling electronic cigarettes to customers under 21. Arvindo said it issued an official circular requiring vape shops to display 21+ signage and to ask customers for valid identification.
Feb.26
Al Fakher Parent AIR Advances U.S. Listing Plan, With Deal Expected in First Half of 2026
Al Fakher Parent AIR Advances U.S. Listing Plan, With Deal Expected in First Half of 2026
AIR Limited and Cantor Equity Partners III, Inc. announced that AIR and AIR Holdings Limited have filed a Form F-4 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with their previously announced proposed business combination. Upon closing, the combined company, AIR Global PLC, is expected to be listed on Nasdaq in the United States under the ticker symbol “AIIR.”
Mar.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine officials said government agencies seized illegal vape products worth about PHP 3.6 million during a joint enforcement operation in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces on March 12.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai