Korea Seeks to Restrict Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea is working to restrict the use of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes, reports The Korea Times.

Korea’s current law defines tobacco products as those made from the leaves of tobacco plants. Some companies saw this as an opportunity to sell products using synthetic nicotine created in a lab rather than from tobacco leaves.

Recently, BAT Rothmans Far East, launched its synthetic nicotine vape product, Nomad Sync 5000, which currently does not meet the definition of “tobacco-leaf products” and thus avoids multiple taxes and special charges.

In recent months, lawmakers have filed more than a dozen bills to amend the law.

The latest bill, proposed by lawmakers of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Nov. 26, aims to redefine what constitutes tobacco products, seeking to include vapes that use synthetic nicotine.

Another group of lawmakers are attempting to require sellers to put warnings on vape packaging just as cigarette sellers do, in addition to the expansion of the legal tobacco definition.

 The Ministry of Health and Welfare has vowed to support such legislation efforts.

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