BPOM states electronic cigarettes target younger generation through flavours

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has stated that electronic cigarettes circulating in the market possess flavours and forms that have the potential to target the younger generation.

“In fact, more than 50 per cent—specifically 61 per cent—consist of fruit aromas, which are flavours favoured by children and adolescents. These include flavours such as strawberry and mango,” said Nova Emelda, Director of Safety, Quality, Export and Import Supervision of Drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropics, Precursors, and Addictive Substances at BPOM, during a media discussion in Jakarta on Monday.

These findings were obtained by BPOM through a pilot project monitoring electronic cigarettes at the retail level. During this pilot project, BPOM found that 61.06 per cent of the observed e-cigarettes utilised fruit and cool fruit flavourings, such as strawberry and mango, which are deemed appealing to children and teenagers.

In addition to the flavour aspect, Nova also noted that BPOM discovered several e-cigarette products with shapes resembling everyday items, meaning they may not be recognised as e-cigarette products.

According to Nova, these characteristics are a concern for BPOM because e-cigarettes are not only available in various flavours but are also packaged in forms that can mimic other objects.

On the same occasion, Nova also stated that the agency has established regulations under BPOM Regulation Number 18 of 2025 regarding the Supervision of Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Products, as well as BPOM Regulation Number 19 of 2025, which amends BPOM Regulation Number 9 of 2024 concerning Guidelines for Following Up on the Results of the Supervision of Drugs, Medicinal Ingredients, Narcotics, Psychotropics, Precursors, and Addictive Substances.

BPOM has also implemented the BPOMWatch application, which facilitates producers and importers in reporting nicotine levels and providing samples of the packaging used.