A revision to the Tobacco Business Act took effect Friday extending the legal definition of tobacco from traditional leaf-based products to cover natural and synthetic nicotine, bringing liquid e-cigarettes under government oversight for the first time. The law is expected to more than double the price of both locally manufactured and imported products, which will be subject to consumption taxes and other levies. There will, however, be a 50 percent tax reduction for the next two years to limit market shock. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the combined taxes and levies on these products is set at 1,823 won ($1.23) per milliliter, meaning a standard 30-milliliter bottle would carry around 27,000 won in tax at the reduced rate, nearly double the typical retail price of 15,000 to 20,000 won. Under the revised law, use of e-cigarettes is banned in facilities such as schools, hospitals and government offices, as well as in designated outdoor no-smoking zones. Online sales of e-cigarettes are banned, and health warnings including nicotine content and ingredient disclosures m
Korea brings e-cigarettes under tobacco law, banning online sales
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