The Korea Herald

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Family Ministry designates heat-not-burn tobacco as harmful to minors

By Won Ho-jung

Published : Oct. 26, 2017 - 17:05

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The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Thursday announced that it would be designating heat-not-burn tobacco products as harmful substances that cannot be sold to minors.

IQOS from Philip Morris (Philip Morris International) IQOS from Philip Morris (Philip Morris International)

Under current regulations, restrictions on sales to minors apply only to e-cigarettes that are used to inhale nicotine-laced liquid. There are no restrictions on heat-not-burn systems that use electronic devices to heat tobacco sticks and produce vapor.

Once the new rules go into effect, those who sell heat-not-burn products to minors will be subject to a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won ($26,670), as well as a 1 million won fine for each offense. 

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)