South Korea, a captivating nation where ancient traditions meet hyper-modern cityscapes and vibrant K-culture, welcomes millions of visitors each year. As global travel resumes and vaping remains popular worldwide, understanding the local rules for electronic cigarettes(vapes) becomes crucial for a hassle-free trip. South Korea maintains a distinct and actively evolving regulatory landscape for vapes, differing significantly from many other countries and impacting everything from import allowances to public usage. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date overview of South Korea’s vape laws in 2025, offering essential information on legality, specific regulations, and practical advice for travelers and residents alike.
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South Korea is on the cusp of passing legislation that will classify synthetic nicotine, the key ingredient in e-liquid vaping products, as “tobacco,” subject to stricter regulations. The National Assembly’s ruling and opposition parties have reached an agreement on the framework, which includes a partial grace period for existing e-liquid businesses regarding school proximity restrictions and taxation.
Read moreA bill seeking to regulate synthetic nicotine products, which make up a significant portion of the e-liquid vaping market, failed to pass the subcommittee stage of the South Korean National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee. The proposed amendment to the Tobacco Business Act aimed to expand the definition of tobacco products to include synthetic nicotine.
Read moreThe National Assembly Research Service has released a report advocating for the taxation of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes, citing concerns over tax equity and public health. The report, titled “Issues and Improvement Measures Related to E-cigarette Regulation,” calls for amending the legal definition of tobacco to include raw materials such as nicotine, regardless of the manufacturing method, and implementing an integrated taxation system.
Read moreAs the year 2024 draws to a close, South Korea finds itself at a crossroads in the battle against the unregulated sale and distribution of synthetic nicotine cigarettes. On December 27, a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Tobacco Business Act was held at the National Assembly, highlighting the growing concerns over the “regulatory blind spot” that has led to massive tax deficits and an alarming increase in youth smoking.
Read moreSouth Korea’s efforts to regulate synthetic nicotine cigarettes are encountering significant legislative obstacles, with potential implementation now likely pushed to 2025. The proposed amendments to the Tobacco Business Act have stalled in the National Assembly, highlighting complex political and regulatory challenges.
Read moreBusan City Councilor Kim Hyo-jung has called for urgent measures to protect minors from synthetic nicotine e-liquid vaping devices. During a recent city council meeting, Kim highlighted the regulatory gap that allows these products to evade taxation and oversight typically applied to conventional tobacco products.
Read moreSouth Korea is accelerating its efforts to implement legislation regulating synthetic nicotine, a move that has the e-cigarette industry on edge. The primary concern for the industry is how tax rates will be set, as this could have a significant impact on the entire sector if the regulations are put into place.
Read moreA recent analysis has revealed a staggering $2.5 billion (3.3895 trillion won) loss in potential tax revenue for South Korea over the past four years due to a legislative oversight regarding synthetic nicotine e-liquids. This significant gap in taxation has emerged because while naturally-derived nicotine e-liquids have been subject to taxes since 2021, their synthetic counterparts have remained exempt despite having nearly identical compositions.
Read moreThe South Korean government is set to implement comprehensive regulatory measures for synthetic nicotine, targeting a growing market segment that has previously escaped tobacco control regulations. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced plans to amend existing tobacco-related legislation.
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