2FIRSTS | South Korea Extends Vape Rules to Unmanned Stores After Bringing Synthetic Nicotine Under Tobacco Law
South Korea proposes barring minors from unmanned e-cigarette stores, following April's law bringing synthetic nicotine under tobacco rules.Summary
South Korea's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on September 14 a proposal to designate unmanned e-cigarette stores as businesses where minors are prohibited from entering or working, with the administrative notice open for public comment from September 14 through October 6. The measure targets staffless stores selling e-cigarette devices and liquids via vending machines or other automated equipment, requiring operators to verify ages and display notices restricting minors. This follows the amended Tobacco Business Act, effective April 24, 2026, which expanded the definition of tobacco to include products made wholly or partly from tobacco or nicotine, thereby bringing synthetic-nicotine vaping products into the tobacco regulatory framework. Nicotine-free liquids and nicotine analogues like 6-methylnicotine remain a separate issue, with authorities planning a hazard assessment of 6-methylnicotine in 2026. The changes expand compliance from product classification to retail channels, affecting manufacturers, importers, and retailers with requirements on licensing, sales channels, and age verification.
(Source：2Firsts)
