An amended Tobacco Business Act applying the same regulations to liquid e-cigarettes as to regular cigarettes takes effect on the 24th. Accordingly, those caught using liquid e-cigarettes in no-smoking areas will face fines. The government set a guidance period through June 23.
Until now, the Tobacco Business Act regulated only regular cigarettes made from tobacco leaves, so liquid e-cigarettes made with synthetic nicotine were not covered. Even if someone used a liquid e-cigarette in a no-smoking area, fines could not be imposed. Authorities could not prevent minors from buying them online without age verification. Tobacco consumption tax and local education tax could not be levied.
In response to these concerns, the Tobacco Business Act was amended. However, the government set a two-month guidance period. The Ministry of Health and Welfare sent a notice to local governments that enforcement related to liquid e-cigarettes would be deferred until June 23. Products reported for release or import before the law takes effect are not subject to enforcement, because it is difficult to verify on-site whether items are existing inventory.
Going forward, those caught using liquid e-cigarettes in no-smoking areas will face fines of up to 100,000 won, the same as for regular cigarettes.
To sell liquid e-cigarettes, retailers must be designated as tobacco retailers by the mayor, county head, or district head. Online sales and sales to minors are prohibited. It is also not permitted to open manufactured or imported liquid e-cigarette products, add other substances or alter their contents, and then resell them.
Liquid e-cigarette packaging must display warning text and images, and list ingredients such as the volume of nicotine solution. Products must undergo harmful substance testing every two years. Various taxes and charges must also be paid.