South Korea Investigates Online Retailers of High-Concentration Nicotine Solutions

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has taken decisive action against three online vendors illegally selling high-concentration nicotine solutions, a move that underscores the government's commitment to regulating the burgeoning e-cigarette market. Following the recent amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which now explicitly includes nicotine in its definition of tobacco products, these vendors were found to be circumventing the law by advertising and selling these potent solutions online.

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The Ministry requested an investigation into three companies that advertised and sold high-concentration nicotine solutions for e-cigarettes online after the amended Tobacco Business Act, which defines e-cigarette liquids as tobacco, went into effect.

These companies were not merely selling a product; they were actively guiding consumers on how to mix and dilute these concentrated nicotine liquids for use in e-cigarettes. This practice is particularly concerning given the inherent safety risks. Handling high-concentration nicotine without proper safety equipment or expertise can lead to serious accidents, including skin contact, accidental ingestion, or misuse. The government's swift referral of these cases to the Daejeon and Gyeonggi Nambu police forces demonstrates a clear intent to enforce the new regulations rigorously.

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The amended Tobacco Business Act expanded the scope of tobacco raw materials from 'leaves of tobacco' to 'tobacco or nicotine.'

The Ministry has emphasized that this is not an isolated incident and has pledged to maintain continuous vigilance over online sales trends. Any further violations will be met with strict enforcement, including referrals to investigative authorities. This proactive stance is crucial for establishing a legitimate tobacco distribution system and safeguarding public health, especially among younger consumers who are often drawn to e-cigarette products.

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The Ministry judged that the companies' advertisements, suggesting that nicotine solutions could be mixed and used in liquids, were intended to guide consumers to easily mix and dilute them for inhalation as e-cigarette use.