According to authoritative interpretation of law provided by the MOSF, packaging of all tobacco products must comply with the National Health Promotion Law and Enforcement Decree of the Tobacco Business Act, regardless of the product’s origin. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, South Korea, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Graphic warning labels printed on tobacco packages will now be seen on packages of cigarettes sold at duty free shops.
The Ministry of Strategy and Finance (MOSF) announced Wednesday that cigarette products exported from foreign countries for sale at duty free stores will also be subject to the same rule with regards to warning labels as cigarette products sold elsewhere in South Korea.
According to authoritative interpretation of law provided by the MOSF, packaging of all tobacco products must comply with the National Health Promotion Law and Enforcement Decree of the Tobacco Business Act, regardless of the product’s origin.
Officials from the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs shared the same opinion.
Some tobacco industry officials disagree, however.
“The National Health Promotion Law and Enforcement Decree of the Tobacco Business Act can only be applied to tobacco manufacturers and exporters,” one official said.
“Duty free shops, according to current customs laws, are treated as an exception and it’s not certain whether it’s fair for them to be subjugated to the same rules,” he added.
One official from the MOSF is hopeful, saying, “This new measure will raise the effectiveness of warning labels , which are intended to improve the nation’s health.”
M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
