Key points:
1. Advocacy groups and lawmakers in Taiwan, China, have urged a complete ban on e-cigarettes.
2. Etomidate-based e-cigarettes, accused of being a new type of drug, saw a 132-fold increase in one year.
3. The groups also urge stricter regulations on advertising platforms and propose raising the maximum fine to T$5 million ($152,244).
Taiwanese civil groups and lawmakers held a press conference urging a full ban on e-cigarettes, warning they could become a channel for new illicit drugs, Udn reported on March 11.
They emphasized that progress on amending the Tobacco Hazard Prevention Act has been slower than expected, failing to fully ban the possession of e-cigarettes.
According to data from the Food and Drug Administration, 2,905 cases of "zombie" e-cigarette pods (containing etomidate) were detected between January and October 2024, marking a 132-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023, making it one of the most severe new drugs.
Although the government has amended laws to comprehensively ban e-cigarettes and require online platforms to remove illegal e-cigarette advertisements within 24 hours, there is no clear prohibition on the possession of e-cigarettes.
The National Education Action Alliance, the National Parent Group Alliance, the Dong Foundation, the Taiwan Cancer Foundation, the Mother Alliance, and the Taiwan Community Welfare Promotion Association have highlighted in their petition that the online advertising provisions in the draft Tobacco Harm Prevention Act are insufficiently stringent.
Currently, online platforms face fines of up to T$2 million ($62,000) if they fail to remove e-cigarette advertisements promptly, but they are not required to monitor advertisements.
Therefore, they are calling for stricter regulations on advertisement platforms, with a proposed fine increase to T$5 million ($152,244). Those selling nicotine-containing e-cigarettes could face sentences of over seven years.
Lin Yueqin, a lawmaker in Taiwan, China, criticized current regulations, noting that while e-cigarettes are banned, online sales continue unchecked due to ineffective removal mechanisms.
She called for better oversight from e-commerce and social media platforms and stressed the need for stronger action against illegal trade, as well as psychological support and cessation programs for addicts.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
