Korea seeks disclosure of cigarette chemicals

Tobacco makers and importers may have to disclose all the ingredients in cigarettes as part of South Korea’s effort to control the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, reports The Korea Times.

In a policy report to President Park Geun-hye, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it will seek to require tobacco importers and manufacturers to disclose all of the ingredients, additives and emissions in their products to the ministry before being allowed to sell them.

Based on the information, the ministry plans to control the use of flavoring materials and additives. It will seek to limit the levels of harmful substances and prohibit sales if the levels are exceeded. The ministry also plans to inform the public about the harmful substances.

A government-designated agency will be responsible for examining tobacco products and taking punitive measures, such as correction orders, suspension of business licenses or recalls against tobacco product manufacturers and importers who violate the regulations.

The ministry has been developing a test to study tobacco’s harmful ingredients and evaluation techniques since 2013. Related developments will continue through 2018.