A bill to regulate synthetic nicotine cigarettes failed to pass the National Assembly Standing Committee subcommittee in South Korea.
A bill to amend the Tobacco Business Act to expand the definition of cigarettes in order to regulate synthetic nicotine was discussed as an agenda item at the National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee’s Economic and Financial Subcommittee, but was not passed and was pending.
According to a National Assembly official, some lawmakers expressed opposition to the bill’s passage, questioning the government’s research findings that synthetic nicotine is harmful and arguing that the survival of e-cigarette distributors is at stake.
The bill also includes restrictions on distance between retail stores, the extent of price increases, and damage to businesses.
Regulation of synthetic nicotine vaping products has been requested by civic groups and the tobacco industry to prevent youth harm and tax evasion, according to a release.
Currently, under the Tobacco Business Act, “cigarettes” are defined only as those manufactured using “tobacco leaves” as raw materials, and synthetic nicotine is not considered “cigarettes,” so tobacco taxes and surcharges are not imposed.
Also, regulations such as warning labels, advertising restrictions, and online sales restrictions do not apply. There is no punishment for selling to minors.
