Korea Electronic Cigarette Association v. Ministry of Health and Welfare

The Korea Electronic Cigarette Association challenged the constitutionality of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s guidance urging the public to stop using e-cigarettes at least until a safety management system could be put into place and research into human toxicity was completed. The Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, holding that the guidance did not infringe on e-cigarette companies' constitutional rights. The ministerial guidance did not amount to an "exercise of government power" because it had no direct legal effect on the rights and duties of the people and is, therefore, not subject to adjudication on a constitutional complaint.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT

Korea Electronic Cigarette Association v. Ministry of Health and Welfare, Case 2020 Heungma 365, Constitutional Court (March 2020).

  • Republic of Korea
  • Mar 17, 2020
  • The Constitutional Court

Parties

Plaintiff Korea Electronic Cigarette Association

Defendant Ministry of Health and Welfare

Legislation Cited

The Constitutional Court Act

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product