"Not Tobacco Leaves?" Smokers Caught in Non-Smoking Areas with Liquid E-Cigs Now Face Penalties

Liquid-type electronic cigarettes, which have so far existed in a legal gray area, will now be subject to the same regulations as traditional cigarettes (rolled tobacco).

From the 24th, liquid-type electronic cigarettes will also be legally classified as "tobacco" and become subject to regulation. A photo of a smoking booth in the city center.

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According to a report by Yonhap News on April 19, citing the Ministry of Health and Welfare, an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act that expands the definition of tobacco will take effect on April 24. As a result, liquid-type electronic cigarettes will be legally classified as "tobacco" and become subject to regulation.

Previously, the Tobacco Business Act defined tobacco as products made from tobacco leaves, so liquid-type electronic cigarettes using synthetic nicotine were excluded from regulation. With this amendment, the definition of tobacco will be expanded to include "tobacco leaves or nicotine."

Under the revised law, manufacturers and importers of liquid-type electronic cigarettes will be required to display health warning images and statements on cigarette packaging and advertisements. Vending machines must also meet location and distance standards and receive "retailer designation" in order to operate.

Smoking regulations will also be strengthened. In designated non-smoking areas, smoking any form of tobacco, including liquid-type products, will be prohibited. Those who violate this rule will be fined up to 100,000 won. Previously, there were cases where fines for using liquid-type electronic cigarettes in non-smoking areas were overturned, but going forward, the same penalties will apply.

Liquid electronic cigarette. Pixabay

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Attention is also focused on whether this measure will lead to changes in smoking behavior. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Statistics, as of 2024, the current usage rate of liquid-type electronic cigarettes among adults is 3.8%. This is the highest level since the survey began in 2013, and the highest in nearly 10 years since 2015 (3.7%).

In contrast, the current smoking rate for traditional cigarettes fell sharply from 23.2% in 2013 to 15.9% in 2024, showing a divergent trend in consumption patterns between the two products.

There have been persistent concerns that, due to the lack of regulation, liquid-type electronic cigarettes have been distributed to minors through unmanned stores or online platforms. In fact, according to a survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the usage rate of liquid-type electronic cigarettes among adolescents is on the rise. Among female students, the usage rate for liquid-type electronic cigarettes was 1.54%, exceeding that of traditional cigarettes (1.33%) and heated tobacco products (0.32%).

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "After the enforcement of the amendment, we will inspect whether tobacco retailers and manufacturers/importers are fulfilling their obligations, and will strengthen enforcement in non-smoking areas in cooperation with local governments."

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