South Korea will bring liquid e-cigarettes under the same regulatory framework as conventional cigarettes starting April 24, following amendments to the Tobacco Business Act passed in February.
Previously, liquid e-cigarettes—commonly known as vapes—were not classified as tobacco products under South Korean law. The earlier definition only covered products made from tobacco leaves designed for smoking, inhaling, chewing or sniffing.
Under the revised legislation, the definition of tobacco products has been expanded to include all items containing tobacco or nicotine, effectively placing vape liquids in the same category as traditional cigarettes. This marks a significant tightening of regulatory oversight in the country’s tobacco control policy.
The change also brings all nicotine-based products under the National Health Promotion Act, requiring mandatory health warnings on packaging and imposing stricter controls on advertising and marketing activities. Authorities say the move is aimed at strengthening public health protection, particularly among young users.
In addition, the law introduces tighter restrictions on automated sales machines, including rules on installation locations, minimum distance requirements, and licensing conditions for retailers. Officials say this is intended to curb easy access to vape products through unregulated channels.
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data showed rising usage trends among young people, with 1.54 per cent of female students in grades six to 11 reporting use of liquid e-cigarettes in 2025—higher than those using conventional cigarettes. Adult vape usage has also increased steadily over the past decade.
Health authorities expressed concern that liquid e-cigarettes have been increasingly sold to minors through online platforms and unmanned stores, prompting stronger enforcement measures. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said it will begin compliance checks on retailers, manufacturers and importers once the revised law comes into effect.
Officials added that the government will work closely with local authorities to enforce no-smoking zones and ensure the updated regulations are fully implemented nationwide.
