Taiwan to Ban E-Cigarette Possession with Fines Up to NT$10,000
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has submitted proposed amendments to the Cabinet to penalize the possession of e-cigarettes. Announced by Health Minister Shih Chung-liang, this legislative update aims to streamline enforcement and eliminate a critical loophole in the existing Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.
Although Taiwan enacted a sweeping ban on the sale, use, and advertisement of e-cigarettes in March 2023, the current framework does not explicitly penalize simple possession. The proposed changes will align possession penalties with usage penalties, subjecting violators to fines and allowing authorities to confiscate devices and components.
The urgency to amend the law has been heightened by a spike in drug-impaired driving incidents involving “zombie vape cartridges.” These illicit cartridges contain etomidate, a controlled anesthetic agent frequently consumed via e-cigarette devices.
| Violation Type | Proposed / Current Penalty Range |
|---|---|
| Possession of E-Cigarettes / Parts | NT$2,000 – NT$10,000 (New) |
| Using E-Cigarettes | NT$2,000 – NT$10,000 |
| Illegal Online Sales & Advertising | NT$400,000 – NT$2,000,000 |
Additionally, the amendments will hold online platforms strictly accountable for hosting illegal vape content. Health Promotion Administration Director-General Shen Ching-fen stated that internet companies must implement proactive control systems rather than claiming immunity as passive hosts. Platforms failing to remove unlawful information could face severe penalties and restricted access.
- Source: 衛福部補漏洞 未來「持有」電子煙可沒入、最高罰1萬
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