South Korea will classify synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes as tobacco under a revised Tobacco Business Act that takes effect on April 24, 2026, marking the first change to the legal definition of tobacco since 1988. The amendment closes a regulatory loophole that previously excluded synthetic nicotine products, bringing them under existing tobacco controls following government studies that found such products contain carcinogens and other harmful substances.
Under the new framework, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be subject to mandatory health warning images and text on packaging, stricter advertising rules, and use bans in smoke-free areas such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Flavor-based marketing aimed at young people will be prohibited, and online sales, social media promotion, external store displays, and sponsorships will be banned. Sales will be limited to designated tobacco retail outlets.
Additional measures include tighter controls on vending machines, requiring adult verification systems, and banning machines in educational protection zones from February 2026. Health authorities said compliance monitoring manuals are already in place for manufacturers and importers.
