South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.
Key Points
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The bill would include synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids within the legal definition of “tobacco.”
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Lawmakers agreed to delay the bill due to concerns over side effects and stockpiling risks.
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Rep. Kim Ki-pyo (김기표) warned that a six-month grace period could enable bulk stockpiling to evade regulation.
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Rep. Na Kyung-won (나경원) argued that nicotine analogues and drug-mixed liquids would remain unregulated under the current definition.
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Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol (구윤철) urged swift enactment, but Committee Chair Choo Mi-ae (추미애) requested government measures for nicotine analogues first.
Lawmakers Postpone Amendment Despite Government Pressure
November 12, 2025 — According to Asia Today, South Korea’s proposed amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which seeks to regulate synthetic nicotine and vape liquids, has been postponed once again. Although the government has repeatedly emphasised the need for urgent action, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee decided to defer the bill, with both ruling and opposition lawmakers calling for additional review.
Bill Aims to Classify Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco
The amendment would redefine synthetic nicotine vapes as “tobacco,” thereby making them subject to taxation and tighter regulation. Currently, vape liquids face minimal oversight, raising concerns about youth access and the mixing of illicit drugs in vape liquids — issues the government says require immediate legal intervention.
Industry Opposition and Previous Delays
The bill has faced repeated delays due to opposition from vape industry groups, which argue that the law lacks sufficient evidence and could harm small retailers. After the Ministry of Health and Welfare research found that synthetic nicotine contains harmful substances, legislative discussions accelerated last year — but lawmakers remain cautious about unintended economic and regulatory impacts.
Concerns Over Stockpiling and Legal Loopholes
Rep. Kim Ki-pyo (김기표) of the Democratic Party warned that if the law takes effect six months after promulgation, businesses could stockpile unregulated products to evade restrictions. He urged additional deliberation before approval.
Rep. Na Kyung-won (나경원) of the People Power Party added that, under the current definition, nicotine analogues or narcotic-laced liquids would still fall outside regulatory reach. She recommended revising the definition and basing enforcement on the point of sale to close these loopholes.
Government Calls for Swift Implementation
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol (구윤철) emphasised that all relevant concerns were discussed in the Strategy and Finance Committee, urging rapid enactment of the amendment to ensure comprehensive regulation of synthetic nicotine products.
Committee Seeks Measures for Nicotine Analogues
However, Committee Chair Choo Mi-ae (추미애) stated that the committee would resume deliberations only after the government develops countermeasures for nicotine analogues, reflecting rising concern over the spread of these substances.
