[Inside Chodong] To Lawmakers Blocking the Passage of Liquid Electronic Cigarette Regulation Bills

The harm caused by liquid-type electronic cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine is increasing day by day. Not only are teenagers being exposed to harmful substances without protection in a regulatory blind spot, but there are also growing concerns about tax evasion. However, the National Assembly is only making idle remarks. The amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would allow synthetic nicotine to be regulated as tobacco, recently failed to pass the subcommittee of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee. Some lawmakers prioritized the livelihoods of synthetic nicotine sellers, while others distrusted research reports proving the harmfulness of synthetic nicotine, delaying the passage of the bill.

Image sketch related to smoking and smoking cessation. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

The current Tobacco Business Act applies only to products made from tobacco leaves. Because of this, liquid-type electronic cigarettes using chemically synthesized nicotine have escaped legal regulation. Safety measures previously applied to conventional tobacco, such as sales bans within 200 meters of schools and taxation, have all been nullified. Teenagers can easily access these products through online purchases and various distribution channels.

According to the Korea Customs Service, the import volume of synthetic nicotine solution from January to September last year was 316 tons, more than double the 119 tons in 2022. Liquid-type electronic cigarette sellers have actively expanded the market by taking advantage of the freedom to distribute in places where conventional tobacco sales are restricted, such as online malls, PC rooms, cafes, and vending machines. Searching for ‘jeondamdambae aksang’ (electronic cigarette liquid) on Naver Store reveals over 50,000 registered sales listings.

According to a survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the nationwide average smoking rate among teenagers decreased from 4.4% in 2020 to 3.6% in 2024, but the usage rate of liquid-type electronic cigarettes increased from 1.9% to 3.0% during the same period. The flavors and various designs stimulate curiosity, creating an environment that can easily lead to addiction. Moreover, teenagers can easily access these products through unmanned vending machines and PC rooms, encouraging underage smoking. About 70% of smoking teenagers started smoking with liquid electronic cigarettes.

According to research commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, synthetic nicotine raw solution contains higher levels of harmful substances such as carcinogens and reproductive toxins compared to natural nicotine raw solution. An analysis of 69 harmful substances in tobacco showed that 12,509 mg/L was detected in 45 items in natural nicotine raw solution. In synthetic nicotine raw solution, harmful substances were detected in 41 items with a maximum of 23,902 mg/L. Electronic cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine cannot be considered less harmful than conventional tobacco. On the contrary, they may pose greater risks to teenagers.

Parent and youth organizations, including the Youth Protection Practice Coalition, started a nationwide signature campaign on the 21st urging the passage of liquid electronic cigarette regulation bills, collecting over 35,000 signatures in just four days. The public is voicing that the government and National Assembly are neglecting youth protection. Their voices represent a social demand for a healthy future.

The current risk of liquid electronic cigarettes exposed to teenagers is a serious issue threatening the health and future of society as a whole. Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage in life. Exposure to nicotine during this period can severely affect brain development, learning ability, and concentration. The role of lawmakers is to represent the voices of the people. The public does not want compromises on issues of health and safety. Regulating liquid electronic cigarettes is not a mere political choice but an essential measure for the health and future of our people.