2FIRSTS | Korean Vape Retailers Warn of Possible Store Closures After New Tobacco Rules Take Effect
New South Korean regulations classifying synthetic nicotine vapes as tobacco products may force vape retailers to close due to stricter requirements.Summary
South Korea’s revised Tobacco Business Act, effective April 24th, will categorize synthetic nicotine liquid vapes as tobacco, subjecting retailers and manufacturers to regulation. This change requires existing vape retailers, previously operating without tobacco licenses, to obtain them, a process complicated by already dense retail networks. The Korea Electronic Cigarette Industry Association warns that many stores may close as a result. Concerns also exist regarding a potential shift in demand towards unregulated nicotine-free products, some of which are marketed with misleading health claims. Manufacturers face increased tax burdens and potential price pressures. Industry groups have already filed complaints regarding misleading advertising of nicotine-free vapes, highlighting the challenges of regulating this evolving market.
(Source：2Firsts)
