South Korea is increasing oversight of “nicotine-free” and nicotine analogue vaping products after government tests found some contained nicotine or 6-methyl nicotine despite their labeling. The Korea Times says the market has grown rapidly since April, when synthetic nicotine products became subject to tobacco regulations and higher taxes, driving demand for products marketed as regulatory alternatives. Imports of nicotine-free vapes climbed to 164 tons in 2025 from 95 tons in 2022, with most sourced from China.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said testing of 105 products found nicotine in 13 and 6-methyl nicotine in 12. The government is now conducting toxicity assessments, investigating unlicensed businesses, and preparing broader regulatory measures expected later this year. Industry representatives say the products exploit a legal loophole by avoiding tobacco regulations while being marketed as nicotine-free.
