2FIRSTS | South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
New South Korean tobacco laws increase compliance burdens for e-liquid manufacturers and overseas suppliers.Summary
South Korea's revised Tobacco Business Act, effective April 24, 2026, reclassifies nicotine-containing vaping products as tobacco, imposing strict licensing, taxation, and compliance requirements. This regulatory shift has increased entry barriers, forcing smaller manufacturers to consider shifting to OEM/ODM production or exiting the market.
The transition is also reshaping distribution, as online sales of nicotine products are now prohibited, driving demand toward offline retailers and duty-free channels. Additionally, overseas suppliers, particularly those in China, face heightened demands for documentation, including source verification, batch traceability, and Korea-specific packaging compliance.
Looking ahead, the market faces uncertainty regarding the regulation of nicotine analogues like 6-methyl nicotine (6-MN) and the rise of nicotine-free products. The industry is currently in a transition period, with existing stockpiles cushioning the immediate impact of higher production costs.
(Source：2Firsts)
