South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine vapes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.
Key Points
Committee: Legislation and Judiciary Committee, National Assembly
Date: November 26, 2025
Purpose: Extend the tobacco definition to include synthetic nicotine vapes
Retail Support:
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Two-year grace period for retailer distance regulations
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Government assistance for business transition
Tax & Regulation:
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Temporary tax relief for vape businesses
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Government to assess the toxicity of “nicotine-like” products before distribution
Next Step: Final approval expected in the plenary session on November 27, concluding a nine-year debate.
Amendment Expands Definition of Tobacco
On November 26, 2025, Edaily reported that the Legislation and Judiciary Committee approved an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act that formally includes synthetic nicotine vapes within the legal scope of tobacco products.
Nine-Year Debate on Regulation Concludes
The bipartisan decision ends nearly nine years of debate over how to regulate synthetic nicotine products, which had previously existed outside Korea’s tobacco control framework.
Scope of the Revised Definition
Under the new definition, tobacco now includes any product “manufactured using nicotine as a raw material.” Products categorized as medicines or quasi-drugs under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act—such as nicotine gum—are explicitly excluded.
Goal: Closing Loopholes to Protect Youth
The amendment aims to protect youth and public health by addressing loopholes that allowed unregulated synthetic nicotine vapes to enter the market.
Grace Period and Support for Retailers
To avoid sudden disruption to businesses, the legislation provides a two-year grace period for retailers affected by licensing distance rules. The government will also offer career transition support for workers in the vape industry.
Temporary Tax Relief and Safety Assessments
Lawmakers instructed the government to explore temporary tax relief for small vape sellers and required the Ministry of Economy and Finance to conduct toxicity assessments of “nicotine-like substances” before market approval.
Additional Provisions for Fair Licensing
The amendment introduces preferential licensing opportunities for veterans and persons with disabilities, along with sanctions against unauthorized lending of retailer licenses.
Revisions Proposed During Deliberations
Lawmakers Kim Gi-pyo and Na Kyung-won proposed adjustments such as shortening the implementation grace period from six months to four months to deter stockpiling ahead of the new rules.
Government Emphasizes Urgency of Regulation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol stressed the need for rapid action:
- “We must quickly bring synthetic and similar nicotine products under the legal framework. We will also conduct pre-launch safety assessments to minimize side effects.”
Final Approval Expected on November 27
The bill will advance to the National Assembly’s plenary session on November 27, marking a major milestone in South Korea’s tobacco control policy.
