Indonesia vape industry warns of standardized packaging risks

The Indonesian government is planning to standardize the packaging of alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (vape), heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, as part of the implementing regulations for Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024.

Industry representatives and consumer advocates have raised concerns regarding this policy. Paido Siahaan, Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (Akvindo), warned that standardized packaging must not reduce essential information such as nicotine levels, ingredients, manufacturer identity, and product authenticity. He noted that under Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection, consumers have the right to clear and honest information.

Furthermore, stakeholders expressed concern that uniform packaging could make it more difficult to distinguish between legal products and illegal ones. The regulation is also expected to impact the entire supply chain, including producers, distributors, retailers, printing services, and MSMEs, potentially affecting the livelihoods of those within the tobacco industry ecosystem.