Taiwan strengthens anti-smoking laws with crackdown on e-cigarettes

On April 26, according to a report in the Taiwan-based newspaper, China's "Smoking Hazards Prevention Law" was revised and put into effect on March 22. Since the new law came into effect, Taiwan has identified 2,173 suspected violations, issued 18 disciplinary orders, and imposed fines totaling 280,000 New Taiwan dollars (63,000 yuan, or approximately $9,600 USD). Sixteen of these violations involved minors using electronic cigarettes illegally. The new law has been in place for one month.

The central authorities and local health bureaus in Taiwan have collaborated to conduct inspections on entities selling electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products that have not undergone health risk assessments. These inspections will cover physical stores, mobile vendors in night markets, delivery services, and locations near schools. The focus of the inspections will be on enhancing enforcement actions against their business and sales practices, as well as their advertising methods.

Jia Shuli, spokesperson for Taiwan's Health Bureau, stated that in the month since the implementation of the new law, central and local authorities in Taiwan have conducted 6,100 inspections, with 2,173 cases suspected of violating the "Smoking Hazards Prevention Act" being investigated through administrative procedures.

Currently, the Health Bureaus of various counties and cities in Taiwan have issued a total of 18 penalty notices, amounting to a fine of 280,000 yuan.

Jia Shuli pointed out that out of the 18 disciplinary notices that have been issued so far, 16 were for the use of illegal tobacco products, all of which involved minors. According to a investigation by the Department of Health, minors have a higher level of curiosity and willingness to explore e-cigarettes than adults.

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One month after the new anti-smoking law took effect, nearly 90% of violations involve minors.