Ministry of Health to Penalize E-Cigarette 'Possession'; Civic Groups Applaud

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 29: The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will amend laws to confiscate e-cigarettes and impose fines for their 'possession.' Civic groups expressed support today, stating that once administrative penalties are in place, teenagers will understand that this is illegal. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which took effect on March 22, 2023, bans e-cigarettes, but recent incidents of drug-impaired driving involving 'zombie vape cartridges' (containing etomidate) highlighted a loophole regarding the lack of penalties for possession. Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan stated yesterday that the amendment would allow for confiscation and fines ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Taiwan Anti-Smoking Alliance held a press conference today, calling for a ban on possession and flavored additives. Wang Han-yang, chairman of the National Education Action Alliance, noted that many young people are still unaware that e-cigarettes are banned. He believes that administrative penalties are essential to show youth that possession is illegal, otherwise, marketing tactics by tobacco companies will continue to influence them.