Nicotine-imitation products emerge as blind spot amid tightening e-cigarette rules
A new regulatory blind spot is emerging around nicotine-free and nicotine-imitation products, following a law revision that brought liquid e-cigarettes under government oversight for the first time. Nicotine-imitation substances have not been fully verified for safety, and actual nicotine has turned up even in products marketed as "nicotine-free," prompting calls for a comprehensive system to…
A new regulatory blind spot has emerged concerning nicotine-free and nicotine-imitation products following a recent law revision that included liquid e-cigarettes in government oversight for the first time. The safety of these nicotine-imitation substances has not been fully verified, and actual nicotine has been found in products marketed as nicotine-free, leading to calls for a comprehensive regulation system.
In April, the Tobacco Business Act underwent a revision that extended the legal definition of tobacco to encompass natural and synthetic nicotine. Consequently, the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in various locations, including schools, hospitals, government offices, and designated outdoor no-smoking zones. Online sales of e-cigarettes are also banned, and health warnings, including nicotine content and ingredient disclosures, must be displayed on packaging.
Sales to minors are strictly prohibited, along with any promotional activities targeting this age group. However, the Tobacco Business Act defines tobacco solely as products made from tobacco leaf or nicotine, leaving nicotine-imitation products in a regulatory gap.
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