As regulators worldwide move to close loopholes surrounding new nicotine products, synthetic nicotine is increasingly being brought under formal tobacco control frameworks. Following the United States’ decision in 2022 to regulate synthetic nicotine at the federal level, other markets have begun reassessing long-standing legal definitions. In Asia, South Korea has emerged as the most active consumer market for synthetic nicotine—placing growing pressure on policymakers to respond.

Why Synthetic Nicotine Expanded Rapidly in Korea

Under Korea’s Tobacco Business Act, tobacco is defined as a product manufactured from tobacco leaves. Because synthetic nicotine is chemically produced rather than plant-derived, it has remained outside the existing tobacco regulatory system.

This legal distinction has allowed synthetic nicotine products to operate without tobacco excise taxes, nicotine concentration limits, or mandatory health warnings. While this environment reduced barriers to entry and supported rapid market expansion, it also intensified concerns around tax leakage, youth access, and uneven consumer protection.

Import Trends Reflect Strong Market Momentum

Although Korea does not publish official market size data for synthetic nicotine, import statistics indicate a sharp upward trajectory. Total imports increased significantly from around 100 tons in 2021 to well over 300 tons by 2024, signaling sustained demand growth and reinforcing the urgency of regulatory review. Parliamentary estimates suggest that formal taxation could generate substantial annual fiscal revenue, further strengthening policy momentum.

Regulatory Developments: From Discussion to Legislative Review

Regulatory attention accelerated notably from 2024 onward:

• May 2024: Government ministries announced toxicity assessments and institutional reviews of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes, formally placing the issue on the policy agenda.

• November 2024: The launch of a synthetic nicotine product by a major multinational manufacturer highlighted existing regulatory gaps and intensified public debate.

• 2025: Multiple parliamentary committees and research bodies advanced proposals to expand the legal definition of tobacco to include nicotine-based products, citing youth access risks, retail expansion, and regulatory circumvention via nicotine analogues.

• Late 2025: Legislative review progressed to legal committees, with discussions focused on enforcement definitions, labeling standards, and tax administration mechanisms.

While final approval is still pending, the regulatory direction has become increasingly explicit.

Industry Outlook

South Korea has transitioned from sector-level debate to structured institutional decision-making on synthetic nicotine regulation. Although timelines remain fluid, inclusion within the tobacco regulatory and taxation framework appears increasingly likely.

Manufacturers and brand owners are advised to proactively assess compliance readiness, product portfolios, and supply strategies to mitigate transition risks and capture early-mover advantages once regulatory clarity is established.

Stay Informed on Korea’s Vaping Policy Developments

As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, staying informed is essential. Follow our updates for ongoing insights into Korean vaping regulations, market trends, and industry implications, or contact us to learn more about compliance-focused manufacturing and formulation solutions.