Vaping has gained immense popularity in recent years, and South Korea is no exception. As a frequent vaper living in Korea, I have noticed a significant increase in the number of vape shops and enthusiasts in the country. However, one aspect that many vapers, both locals and visitors, often have questions about is the nicotine levels allowed in vape e-liquids in Korea.
In Korea, the sale and use of nicotine-containing products are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). As a result, the maximum nicotine level allowed in e-liquids sold in Korea is 1.5%. This is significantly lower compared to other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where e-liquids with nicotine levels up to 6% are allowed.
The restrictions on nicotine levels in vape e-liquids in Korea are driven by the government’s efforts to control and reduce the use of tobacco products. According to the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) report, about 33.6% of Korean adults smoke, making it one of the highest rates in the world. The government sees vaping as a potential tool to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes and has chosen to regulate its use and availability carefully.
But why is there a significant difference in the allowable nicotine levels in Korea compared to other countries? One reason could be the country’s history with tobacco control. In 2015, the South Korean government implemented one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the world, banning smoking in all public places, including bars and restaurants. This law has shown positive results in reducing the number of smokers in the country.
With this in mind, it is not surprising that the government is taking a cautious approach to vaping and its potential effects on public health. In fact, it took several years for e-cigarettes with nicotine to be legalized in Korea. In 2011, the MFDS banned the import and sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine, classifying them as unregistered medical devices. However, in 2015, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) approved the sale of e-cigarettes with up to 0.9% nicotine content, following the same regulations as tobacco products.
This strict regulation of nicotine levels in e-liquids, however, does not mean that vaping is entirely banned in Korea. E-liquids without nicotine are readily available, and many vapers choose to use these products instead. Additionally, there are vape shops that offer e-liquids with higher levels of nicotine, but they are sold as “vaping oils” or “perfume oils” to comply with the regulations.
Moreover, in 2018, the Korean government announced plans to regulate vaping products as tobacco products by 2021, including restricting their advertising and marketing. This decision was met with opposition from the vaping community, who argue that e-cigarettes are not tobacco products and should not be regulated as such. The government, on the other hand, claims that this move is necessary to address the increasing popularity and concerns surrounding vaping among young people in the country.
Despite the strict regulations on nicotine levels and the ongoing debates on how to classify and regulate vaping products, the vape industry in Korea continues to thrive. With the rise in popularity, e-liquids with different flavors, including traditional Korean flavors like Soju and Makgeolli, have emerged in the market.
Many vapers in Korea have also turned to online shopping for vape products, including e-liquids with higher nicotine levels, through international online marketplaces like Vawoo. They offer a wide selection of high-quality vape e-liquids from various brands, including local Korean ones, with different nicotine strengths and flavors. Vawoo also offers convenient shipping to Korea, making it a popular option for vapers in the country.
In conclusion, while Korea has strict limitations on the nicotine levels allowed in e-liquids, it has not hindered the growth of the vape industry in the country. As a frequent vaper in Korea, I can say that there are still plenty of options for individuals who prefer higher nicotine levels in their e-liquids. And, with the rise of online shopping, vapers can now access a more extensive and diverse selection of vape products from all over the world. So, whether you prefer e-liquids with or without nicotine, vaping in Korea is an enjoyable and accessible experience for all. For more information and to browse the selection of vape e-liquids with different nicotine levels in Korea, I highly recommend checking out Vawoo’s website here.