Taiwan Health Department: Over NT$20 Million Fines for E-cigarette

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.15.2024
Taiwan Health Department: Over NT$20 Million Fines for E-cigarette
Taiwan Health Ministry fines over NT$20 million for e-cigarette use in first half of 2024

According to Taiwan News reported on August 15th, the Taiwanese Ministry of Health announced that the total fines imposed in the first half of 2024 for using e-cigarettes have exceeded NT$20 million (US$618,000).


The revised Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act of March 2023 prohibits the manufacturing, sale, and use of all types of e-cigarette products in Taiwan. Individuals caught using e-cigarettes can be fined up to 10,000 New Taiwan Dollars (309 US Dollars).


According to the report from the Central News Agency (CNA), a survey released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare shows that the rate of middle school students using e-cigarettes has risen to 3.9%, while high school students have increased to 8.8%. It is estimated that around 80,000 adolescents in Taiwan have been exposed to e-cigarettes.


The head of the smoke prevention team in the department, Russell Ying, stated that this year, a total of over 160,000 e-cigarette products have been inspected in 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, China. Approximately 370 penalties have been issued for activities such as importing, selling, or using e-cigarettes, with total fines exceeding NT$20 million (US$618,000).


Despite the revision of the Tobacco Act in 2023, illegal tobacco products continue to be rampant. Russell Ying pointed out that in recent years, the e-cigarette industry has cleverly attracted young people by adding flavors and designs through marketing tactics. She urges young people to stay away from e-cigarettes.


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