South Korea’s finance ministry to directly crack down on illegal high-nicotine vape liquids
South Korea’s finance ministry will directly enforce regulations against illegal high-nicotine vape liquids, following reports of dangerously potent products.Summary
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will take the lead in cracking down on the illegal distribution and manipulation of nicotine concentrations in liquid e-cigarettes. This action follows reports of extremely high-strength nicotine liquids circulating in retail shops, some exceeding potentially lethal doses. The crackdown is supported by a revised Tobacco Business Act, expanding the definition of “tobacco” to include synthetic-nicotine liquid vapes, with full enforcement expected after April 24th. Previously, inspections were handled by the climate/energy/environment ministry, but concerns arose regarding their effectiveness as illicit shops rapidly increased. The revised law mandates graphic warnings and harm statements on packaging, applying the same prohibitions as conventional tobacco, and imposes penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or a 30 million won fine for illegal manufacturing.
(Source：2Firsts)
