Civil Groups Criticize Delay in Flavored Tobacco Ban; Health Promotion Administration Responds

Civil groups have criticized the government for failing to ban flavored tobacco 40 months after the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act amendment, calling it administrative negligence. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) responded that it has conducted two public consultations in 2023 and 2024, collecting over 13,000 comments, which are currently being evaluated. Anti-tobacco groups pointed out that the 2023 amendment clearly intended to ban flavored tobacco, yet the government has delayed implementation. The WHO has also called for a ban on flavored tobacco for three years. The HPA stated it is actively building testing mechanisms and monitoring systems, aiming to align with international practices while planning supporting measures for future enforcement.