South Korea’s National Assembly has failed to pass a proposal to regulate synthetic nicotine vapes, with some lawmakers questioning the results of research on the harmful effects of synthetic nicotine and worrying about the impact on e-cigarette operators. The Strategy and Finance Committee will hold further discussions after soliciting opinions.
South Korea has failed to pass a proposal to regulate synthetic nicotine vapes
According to V.AUM reported on February 10, a legislative proposal on the regulation of synthetic nicotine vapes failed to pass in a panel meeting of the relevant committee of the South Korean National Assembly.
The proposed legislation, which was discussed by the Economy and Finance subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee, seeks to expand the definition of tobacco by amending the Tobacco Business Act so that tobacco containing synthetic nicotine can be regulated. However, the proposal failed to pass approval and continues to languish.
Challenged for harmful findings
The proposed 10-point amendment to the Tobacco Business Law, submitted by Rep. Park Sung-hoon of the People Power Party and others, would expand the definition of tobacco raw materials from “tobacco leaves” to “tobacco leaves and nicotine.”
According to congressional insiders, some lawmakers are skeptical of the government’s findings on the harmful effects of synthetic nicotine and point out that the survival of vape operators is at stake, and therefore oppose the regulation.
The Economic and Finance subcommittee of the Strategy and Finance Committee plans to hold further discussions after consulting the Strategy and Finance Ministry on restrictions on retail outlets, price increases, and losses to business owners.
According to the current Tobacco Business Act. The so-called “tobacco” only refers to products based on tobacco leaves, so synthetic nicotine is not “tobacco” is not subject to tobacco taxes and surcharges, and is not subject to other laws and regulations such as warning signs, advertising restrictions, and online sales restrictions. Even if it is sold to teenagers, there is no penalty.
