On November 26, South Korea’s National Assembly Judiciary Committee approved an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act that would classify liquid and synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes as tobacco, closing long-criticized regulatory gaps. The measure, the culmination of nearly a decade of debate, moves to a plenary vote on November 27.

The bill expands the legal definition of cigarettes to include products “manufactured from nicotine,” while explicitly excluding pharmaceutical nicotine products. To avoid abrupt shutdowns for current vape retailers, it grants a two-year suspension of distance rules for newly designated tobacco shops and calls for government support to help workers transition out of the sector. Lawmakers also recommended considering temporary tax relief as the new classification takes effect.

Committee revisions shortened the rollout to four months, require risk assessments for existing inventory, and set the taxable moment at manufacture or import. Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said the government will begin risk assessments ahead of implementation to minimize disruption.

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.