Japan’s First Arrest Over Illegal Sale of Non-Compliant E-Liquid

According to Japanese media reports yesterday (March 8), a vape shop named "vapes" in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, was reported by consumers for illegally selling nicotine-containing e-liquids. After investigating the shop, Japanese police arrested two operators on charges of "violating the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act," and the two confessed to the crime after their arrest.

According to the shop operators, they sold nicotine e-liquids to attract more e-cigarette consumers, and indeed, selling nicotine e-liquids boosted their store's performance. Their online sales of nicotine e-liquids alone reached 1.5 million yen.

Regarding this case, Japanese police are conducting further investigations. According to police, Japan prohibits the sale of e-liquids and products containing nicotine, and this is the first case of illegal nicotine e-liquid sales uncovered in Japan.

The Japan International E-Cigarette Expo is set to open in March, and there may be undercover police and officials from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducting inspections and arrests. It is hoped that this incident will raise awareness among all participating companies at the expo in March to strictly comply with Japanese laws during the event and not to have a mindset of taking chances.

If any nicotine-containing products are found at the expo, they will be confiscated! Exhibitors and staff must not bring any nicotine-containing tobacco products into the venue. If violated, the organizers will not bear any responsibility, and all consequences will be borne by the exhibitors.