An amended Tobacco Business Act that applies the same regulations to liquid e-cigarettes as to regular cigarettes takes effect on the 24th. Accordingly, anyone caught using a liquid e-cigarette in a no-smoking area will face fines.
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 also 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 such criticism, the Tobacco Business Act was revised and will be enforced from the 24th. Going forward, if someone is caught using a liquid e-cigarette in a no-smoking area, fines will be imposed just like for regular cigarettes.
In addition, to sell liquid e-cigarettes, vendors must be designated as tobacco retailers by the mayor, county chief, 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.
Packaging for liquid e-cigarettes must also display warning text and images, and list ingredients such as the volume of the nicotine solution. Harmful substance testing must be conducted every two years. Various taxes and levies must also be paid.