Sangju City Public Health Center to Enforce Electronic Cigarette Regulations Starting on the 24th

The Sangju City Public Health Center in North Gyeongsang Province announced that, starting April 24, 2026, synthetic nicotine electronic cigarettes, which had previously existed in a regulatory blind spot, will be subject to the same strict regulations as conventional tobacco products, following an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act.

This amendment expands the definition of tobacco to include not only tobacco leaves but also all products manufactured with nicotine as a raw material. As a result, all synthetic nicotine liquid-type electronic cigarettes distributed within the jurisdiction must comply with the revised law from the effective date.

Photo of Sangju City Public Health Center / Photo by Kim Ihwan

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One of the major changes is the strengthening of obligations for electronic cigarette retailers. All electronic cigarette containers and packaging must display warning images and statements covering at least 50% of the surface area; violations will result in penalties. In addition, the use of fruit images, fragrance names, or other flavor-related indications on packaging or in advertisements is now prohibited, and violations may incur fines of up to 5 million won.

This will also bring changes to citizens' daily lives. Synthetic nicotine electronic cigarettes will be legally classified as tobacco, making their use in no-smoking zones subject to fines of up to 100,000 won. Furthermore, promotional activities targeting women or minors, as well as advertising via social media platforms, will be strictly restricted. Previously unregulated synthetic nicotine will, from the day the law takes effect, be subject to the same management system as conventional tobacco, including disclosure of harmful ingredient information and imposition of surcharges.

Prior to the implementation of the law, the Sangju City Public Health Center plans to conduct intensive guidance and inspections of local retailers and to minimize confusion among citizens through digital displays and other means. Kim Minseon, head of the Health Promotion Department, stated, "We expect this law to close regulatory loopholes in tobacco control," and urged, "Both retailers and citizens should strictly comply with the regulations to avoid any disadvantages."

Additionally, the Sangju City Public Health Center is operating a smoking cessation clinic that offers customized counseling and support services for cessation aids at all times, to assist citizens in quitting smoking in a practical manner, alongside the implementation of these strengthened regulations.

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