On April 24,2026, South Korea officially incorporated e-cigarettes into its tobacco product regulatory framework, subjecting them to the same regulatory standards as traditional cigarettes. This policy change not only represents an upgrade in South Korea's domestic regulation but may also serve as a model for other Asian countries to follow. For China-based e-cigarette companies expanding into the Asian market, what does this signify?

I. Key Points of South Korea's New Policy: From "Gray Zone" to "Comprehensive Regulation"

1.1 Key Changes in Policy Implementation

Under the revised Tobacco Business Act of the South Korean government, all products manufactured from tobacco or nicotine are classified as tobacco products effective April 24,2026, with e-cigarettes officially included in this category.

The main changes include:

Legal Classification: From "Non-Tobacco Product" to "Tobacco Product"

Packaging requirements: A health warning label must be printed.

Applicable laws: Tobacco Commercial Law + National Health Promotion Law

Sales channels: Subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes

Tax Policy: Intended to Align with Traditional Cigarettes

1.2 The Regulatory Logic Behind the Policy

Health risk homogenization

The protection of minors takes priority.

Tax collection and administration require...

II. Asia's Regulatory Landscape: China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia – Which Countries Are Tightening Regulations and Which Are Relaxing Them?

2.1 China: The world's most stringent regulatory system has been established

Flavor restriction: Only tobacco flavor is allowed

Channel Control: Online sales are prohibited

License System: Comprehensive Chain License Management

Production Capacity Regulation: Transition to "Total Production Capacity Management" by 2026

2.2 Japan: Pharmaceutical Regulatory Approach

E-vaporizers: Regulated as pharmaceuticals and require drug approval

Heating without combustion (HTP): Classified as a tobacco product

Entry restriction: Individuals may carry no more than 2 items

2.3 Southeast Asia: Significant differentiation

Indonesia: Relatively loose policies with significant demographic dividend

Malaysia: Nicotine content ≤5%,10% consumption tax

Thailand: Comprehensive Ban with Strict Enforcement

Philippines: Implementation of Mandatory Certification

Singapore: Comprehensive Ban with Strict Enforcement

III. Policy Transmission Effect: After South Korea, who will be next?

High-risk markets (potentially to be followed up within 1–2 years): Indonesia, Philippines

Medium-risk markets: Malaysia, Australia

Low-risk markets: Some countries in the Middle East

IV. Corporate Response Strategies

4.1 Short-term Response (1–6 months)

Check the health warning label on the product packaging

Confirm that the dealer holds a tobacco business license

Assessing the impact of tax changes on pricing

Establish a policy monitoring mechanism

4.2 Mid-term Strategy (6–18 months)

Develop a "General Compliance Version" product

Nicotine concentration reduction option

Investment Traceability System

Market diversification, with a focus on the Middle East and Latin America

4.3 Long-term Strategy (over 18 months)

Establish a dedicated compliance team

Participate in the development of industry standards

Explore the B2B2C model

Assess the Transformation HTP Pathway

V. Risk Warning: Never Cross These "Red Lines"

Selling to minors → Revocation of license + High fines

Online sales → Product confiscation + Criminal risk

Sales of non-tobacco flavors → Product removed from shelves + Fines

Overweight items brought into the country → Confiscated + Fined

National smuggling is prohibited → Criminal prosecution + imprisonment

VI. Conclusion

This policy adjustment by South Korea sends a clear signal: the era of unregulated growth for e-cigarettes in Asia is drawing to a close. Future competition will hinge on compliance capabilities, localized operations, and long-term strategic vision. For Songvape, this means prioritizing regulatory adherence and market adaptation to thrive in the evolving Asian e-cigarette landscape.