The Food and Drug Safety Administration of South Korea has issued a formal notice establishing a national management system for harmful components in tobacco products. The new framework clearly defines the detection targets and testing methods for cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and e-cigarettes.
Key Points Summary
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South Korea has issued an announcement specifying detection items and test methods for harmful components in tobacco.
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Cigarettes and heated tobacco products must be tested for 44 components, including nicotine and tar.
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E-cigarettes are required to be tested for 20 components.
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Tobacco enterprises must use designated testing institutions and submit results to regulators.
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Testing methods reference international standards such as the WHO and ISO.
Regulatory Notice Formally Comes into Effect
December 18, 2025 — According to information released by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The country has officially implemented a system that defines both the scope of harmful component detection and standardized testing methods for tobacco products.
Defined Testing Requirements for Different Tobacco Categories
Under the new regulations, cigarettes and heated tobacco products must undergo testing for 44 harmful substances, including nicotine and tar. For e-cigarettes, the regulation specifies testing for 20 substances, including nicotine, propylene glycol, and glycerin.
Alignment with International Testing Standards
The designated testing methods are based on internationally recognized standards developed by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring scientific consistency and comparability.
Legal Basis and Review Process for the New System
The notice was issued in accordance with the Management Law of Harmful Components in Tobacco and was finalized following reviews by the Tobacco Harmful Component Management Policy Committee and the Regulatory Reform Committee.
Mandatory Testing and Reporting Obligations for Tobacco Businesses
Under the law, tobacco manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to entrust MFDS-designated testing institutions to conduct harmful component analyses and submit the results to the relevant regulatory authorities.
Ongoing Development of Analytical Methods and Regulatory Strengthening
The Food and Drug Safety Department stated that it is continuing to develop more precise analytical methods for identifying harmful tobacco components. The agency plans to progressively enhance tobacco regulation based on scientific evidence, positioning the system as a key foundation for public health protection.
