![April 24: E-cigarette products, including liquid types, are displayed outside a vape shop in Seoul. [Photo=Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/04/20260504161524983761.jpg)
The ministry said Monday it requested investigations by the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency and the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency into three firms that advertised and sold high-concentration nicotine solution through online sites after the revised Tobacco Business Act took effect April 24.
Officials said they confirmed indications the companies sold nicotine solution and flavorings for making e-liquid on the same sites and encouraged customers to mix them for use in e-cigarettes.
Under the revised law, the definition of tobacco ingredients was expanded from “tobacco leaves” to “tobacco or nicotine.” As a result, products made for inhalation using nicotine as an ingredient are treated as tobacco, and manufacturers must obtain government approval.
The law also makes it punishable to sell tobacco to consumers without being designated as a tobacco retailer, and it bars even authorized retailers from selling tobacco online or by mail.
The ministry said the move aims to stop online distribution of high-strength nicotine solution that consumers can easily use for e-cigarettes.
It warned that handling high-concentration nicotine solution without protective equipment poses a high risk of accidents, including skin contact or accidental ingestion. The ministry said it will continue to monitor online distribution with relevant agencies and will take strict action, including filing complaints with investigative authorities when violations are suspected.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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