Park Sung-hoon, a lawmaker from South Korea’s Nationalist Power Party (NPP), has submitted an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act aimed at including liquid cigarettes in the legal definition of tobacco products. The proposal seeks to close existing regulatory loopholes and curb teenage vape use.
Current Law Excludes Synthetic Nicotine Liquids
According to a NAVER report on July 15, Park announced that the amendment would redefine nicotine tar liquids—currently excluded from tobacco regulations—as cigarette products.
At present, nicotine liquids made with synthetic nicotine are not classified as tobacco because they are chemically synthesized, allowing them to bypass restrictions applied to conventional cigarettes.
Regulatory Gaps Pose Risks for Youth and Public Health
Park pointed out that under the existing law, smoke tar liquids are not subject to cigarette-related taxes or health warning labels.
Additionally, there are no restrictions on online marketing or sales near schools, which increases the risk of these products being sold to minors.
Concerns Over Tax Losses and Youth Smoking
The lawmaker emphasized that while discussions on the regulation of new tobacco products continue. The loss of tax revenue, growing social controversy, and especially the rise in youth vaping have become pressing public concerns.
He stated,
- “The amendment aims to reduce the utilization of vapes among teenagers and minimize the negative impact of vapes around schools. We will try to push the bill through as soon as possible.”
Government to Review Health and Safety Implications
South Korea’s Ministry of Planning and Finance announced that it will determine whether to include synthetic nicotine vapes under the Tobacco Business Act after the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety complete a joint study.
The study, expected to conclude in December, will assess the potential health risks of smoke tar liquids before any regulatory decision is finalized.
