Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Search

South Korea Again Delays Review of Tobacco Act Amendment; Synthetic Nicotine Still in a Regulatory Gap

Sep.11.2025
South Korea Again Delays Review of Tobacco Act Amendment; Synthetic Nicotine Still in a Regulatory Gap
On September 9, South Korea’s National Assembly again postponed reviewing amendments to the Tobacco Business Act that would classify synthetic nicotine as tobacco, prolonging a regulatory gap that leaves such products untaxed and legally sold near schools and via vending machines. This delay persists despite 36 of 38 OECD countries regulating synthetic nicotine at tobacco-equivalent standards and a November 2024 government study indicating substantial harms. The subcommittee plans to reconvene S

Key Points

 

  • Agenda squeeze: The Strategy & Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Economy and Finance prioritized the Act on the Management of Public Institutions; the Tobacco Business Act (TBA) amendment was listed around Item 54 and was not taken up.
  • Regulatory vacuum: Because synthetic nicotine is not defined as “tobacco” under current law, it is untaxed and can be sold near schools and via vending machines, effectively serving as a “starter cigarette” for students.
  • International contrast: 36 of 38 OECD countries regulate synthetic nicotine at standards equivalent to conventional tobacco; countries without such rules often do not allow e-cigarette sales at all.
  • Legislative timeline: Talks began in 2016 but have not passed the Assembly. A November 2024 Ministry of Health and Welfare study found substantial harms from synthetic nicotine, raising hopes for progress, yet the February 2025 session also stalled.
  • What’s next: The subcommittee has progressed to agenda items immediately preceding the TBA amendments and plans to reconvene on September 16. Industry groups urge making the TBA amendment a top priority.

 

 

2Firsts, September 11, 2025 — The National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee Subcommittee on Economy and Finance failed to review amendments to the Tobacco Business Act (TBA) on September 9 due to agenda conflicts, leaving synthetic nicotine unregulated once again, according to news.naver. The meeting prioritized deliberations on revisions to the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, and the TBA amendment—intended to bring synthetic nicotine under the legal definition of “tobacco”—was pushed down the agenda and ultimately not discussed before adjournment.

 

Under current law, synthetic nicotine is not classified as tobacco, meaning it is not subject to tobacco taxes and faces no location-based sales restrictions. As a result, products can legally be sold near school grounds and through vending machines. Owing to lower prices and easy access, synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes are widely described as an entry product for students.

 

Although policy discussions began in 2016, the amendment has yet to clear the legislature. Expectations for faster progress rose after a November 2024 Ministry of Health and Welfare study concluded that synthetic nicotine carries significant risks; nevertheless, action stalled again during the February 2025 extraordinary session.

 

The subcommittee has advanced through the agenda up to the items just before the TBA amendments and plans to resume on September 16. Industry stakeholders expressed disappointment that the amendment was not debated and called for swiftly reconvening the subcommittee and placing the TBA revision at the top of the docket.

References:
[1] 합성니코틴 규제, 또 미뤄져…여야, 공운법 논의만 하고 끝내
Also Read:
[1] COP11 to Convene in Geneva in November; South Korea May Leverage Global Consensus to Advance Tobacco-Control Reforms
[2] Korea Consumer Forum: Heated tobacco device "Lil" wins 2025 Brand of the Year Award

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

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Oct. 6 questioned the FDA over its plan to reassess and potentially replace the 2021 PMTA regulatory framework, asking the agency to identify provisions it may change or eliminate, state whether current scientific evidentiary standards will be maintained, and disclose communications with Altria, Reynolds and other parties challenging the rule. Krishnamoorthi led a congressional investigation into JUUL and youth vaping in 2019 and has since remained active on e-cigarette regulation and enforcement.
Regulations
Oct.08
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
Japan Tobacco International's Irish business has proposed a €0.25 tax increase on a pack of 20 cigarettes in its pre-Budget 2027 submission, below the €0.50-or-more increases typically imposed in recent Irish budgets. JTI says the proposal could generate around €45 million in additional Exchequer revenue while limiting further movement toward illicit and non-Irish-tax-paid tobacco. Revenue's existing estimate for a comparable €0.25 increase, including pro-rata rises on other tobacco products, is about €18 million for a full year.
JTI
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Special Report｜Virginia Vape Directory Shows Contrast Between Vuse and JUUL Pod Systems and CrossBar 20K, Loon Flavored Disposables
Special Report｜Virginia Vape Directory Shows Contrast Between Vuse and JUUL Pod Systems and CrossBar 20K, Loon Flavored Disposables
A 2Firsts analysis of Virginia's liquid nicotine and vapor product certification directory identified 213 product records from 15 manufacturers. Companies associated with BAT, Altria, Imperial Brands, JTI and JUUL account for 127 entries. The directory also includes independent brands CrossBar 20K, Loon and Breeze. CrossBar advertises a 13mL disposable capable of up to 20,000 puffs, while Loon has 16 disposable entries featuring fruit, cooling and beverage-related flavors. Of all records, 120 are labeled as under FDA PMTA review. Virginia introduced revised penalties on October 1, 2026, including a minimum first-violation civil penalty of $5,000 per unlisted product, alongside new retail tobacco permitting requirements.
Regulations
Oct.30
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
A federal judge in Texas on Oct. 8 granted a joint request by the FDA and plaintiffs including Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY to stay litigation challenging the agency's 2021 PMTA rule. The court cited FDA's anticipated rulemaking concerning the regulation at issue. FDA announced on Sept. 28 that it intends to reassess the PMTA framework and could initiate new rulemaking to replace it. The parties must file a joint status report within 45 days and every 45 days thereafter. A motion by three Reynolds American companies to intervene remains pending.
Regulations
Oct.10
EU Vape, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouch Tax Reform Reaches Ministerial Talks: Sweden Opposes Proposed 2032 Minimum of 50% of Retail Price or €50/kg for Nicotine Pouches
EU Vape, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouch Tax Reform Reaches Ministerial Talks: Sweden Opposes Proposed 2032 Minimum of 50% of Retail Price or €50/kg for Nicotine Pouches
EU finance ministers are scheduled to discuss tobacco excise reform on November 9, 2026, seeking agreement on higher minimum duties for conventional tobacco and a common EU minimum tax framework covering e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. A November 5 Council document identifies nicotine pouch taxation as the main outstanding issue. The Irish Council presidency proposes phased increases, reaching 50% of retail selling price or €50 per kilogram in 2032. Sweden has formally said it cannot support the current compromise, objecting to both the proposed nicotine pouch tax burden and the adjustment of minimum rates based on national purchasing power. The package also addresses cross-border personal-use reference quantities, raw tobacco controls and the continued exclusion of traditional tobacco snus.
Regulations
Nov.10
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
On September 16, 2Firsts hosted a China-focused industry forum during InterTabac in Dortmund, bringing together more than 30 participants from North America, Europe, India, South Korea and other markets. The session covered traditional tobacco, next-generation products, exports, technology, regulation and supply chains, while examining how China’s tobacco sector operates, where its transformation may be heading, and why its growing role matters increasingly to companies across the global tobacco and nicotine industry.
Sep.21
Related Topics
News Regulation
Related Read
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
2Firsts Perspectives
Special Report｜Virginia Vape Directory Shows Contrast Between Vuse and JUUL Pod Systems and CrossBar 20K, Loon Flavored Disposables
Special Report｜Virginia Vape Directory Shows Contrast Between Vuse and JUUL Pod Systems and CrossBar 20K, Loon Flavored Disposables
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
EU Vape, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouch Tax Reform Reaches Ministerial Talks: Sweden Opposes Proposed 2032 Minimum of 50% of Retail Price or €50/kg for Nicotine Pouches
EU Vape, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouch Tax Reform Reaches Ministerial Talks: Sweden Opposes Proposed 2032 Minimum of 50% of Retail Price or €50/kg for Nicotine Pouches
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact: info@2firsts.com
Stay up to date.
Submit your email to receive weekly newsletter on the most relevant news of the e-cigarette industry.
© 2026 2FIRSTS. All Right Reserved.
2FIRSTS is only accessible to industry practitioners, researchers, media and other professionals. Access by minors is prohibited.
This website provides services to users outside the Chinese mainland.
English
English
中文