Taiwan’s Tobacco Control Law Targets Minors

We are now one month into Taiwan’s new Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, and the results are in. This ambitious law, which came into effect on March 22nd, has had a significant impact on the illegal sale and use of e-cigarettes by minors. In this article, we will take a closer look at the law, its enforcement, and the various strategies employed by authorities to crack down on these illegal activities.

The New Tobacco Control Law

Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act was amended to better address the growing issue of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products that haven’t undergone health risk assessment and review. With this new legislation, central and local health bureaus have collaborated on special operations to combat illegal sales and usage.

The main targets of the new law include brick-and-mortar stores, night market vendors, home delivery or door-to-door sales, campus-adjacent sales, online platforms, and online communities. Authorities are focusing on business or sales activities (such as selling or displaying illegal products) and advertising methods (like store signs and online platform sales pages).

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Changes in Online Sales Strategies

Chung Chi-hui, a journalism professor at Shih Hsin University, observed that online sales methods for illegal tobacco products have changed since the amendment. Flash sales have shifted from “candies” to T-shirts, scented candles, perfumes, and more. Sellers are also avoiding the use of brand names and adopting private sales strategies, allowing only repeat customers to place orders.

Enforcement and Penalties

Within a month of the new law, central and local authorities have jointly monitored 6,100 businesses. Among them, 2,173 cases are suspected of violating the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and are under administrative investigation. Local health bureaus have asked violators to present their opinions, and so far, 18 cases have been penalized, with a total fine of TWD 280,000.

Of the 18 penalized cases, 16 involved the use of illegal tobacco products by minors. Past investigations by the National Health Administration have shown that minors have a higher curiosity and willingness to explore e-cigarettes than adults.

Public Awareness and Reporting

The National Health Administration is reminding the public not to use, buy, or recommend illegal products. If violations of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act are discovered, individuals can provide specific evidence and report to the local health bureau or call the toll-free tobacco hazard consultation and reporting service hotline (0800-531531) from within the city.

Conclusion

As we can see, Taiwan’s new Tobacco Control Law has had a significant impact on reducing the illegal sale and use of e-cigarettes by minors. The collaboration between central and local health bureaus and the enforcement of penalties for violations have shown promising results in just one month. However, continuous efforts are needed to ensure the long-term success of this law in protecting public health, especially among minors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main focus of Taiwan’s new Tobacco Control Law?
   The main focus is to crack down on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products that haven’t undergone health risk assessment and review.
2. What are the primary targets of the new law?
   The primary targets include brick-and-mortar stores, night market vendors, home delivery or door-to-door sales, campus-adjacent sales, online platforms, and online communities.
3. How has the online sales strategy for illegal tobacco products changed?
   Sellers have shifted from offering items like “candies” to T-shirts, scented candles, and perfumes, and now avoid using brand names or adopt private sales strategies, allowing only repeat customers to place orders.

4. How many businesses have been monitored and penalized so far?
   Within a month of the new law, 6,100 businesses have been monitored, with 2,173 suspected violations. Eighteen cases have been penalized, with a total fine of TWD 280,000.
5. How can individuals report violations of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act?
   Individuals can provide specific evidence and report to their local health bureau or call the toll-free tobacco hazard consultation and reporting service hotline (0800-531531) from within the city.