Taiwan New Vape Ban Goes Into Effect This Week

Taiwan has recently implemented a vape ban that has caused controversy among both pro-vapers and anti-vapers. The amended Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法) bans the sale, manufacture, and supply of vaping products. Additionally, it raises the legal tobacco age limit from 18 to 20 and increases the proportion of tobacco warnings from 35% to 50% of cigarette packs. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are now also subject to tighter regulations and advertising them is banned. Business caught not adhering to these regulations may face a hefty penalty of NT$50 million, while members of the public caught vaping may incur a fine from NT$2000 (US$66) to NT$10,000 (US$330).

The Reason Behind the Ban

According to Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, the vape ban is the result of a misinformation campaign. He believes that vaping is less harmful than smoking and has the potential to save thousands of lives in Taiwan. Bans and prohibitions, as history has shown, do not work. Instead of destroying tobacco harm reduction, Taiwan should support it.

Regulations Should Be Relative to Risk

Instead of outright bans, regulation must be based on science and the experience of millions of consumers. Less harmful products must be treated differently than cigarettes. Taiwan should follow harm reduction leaders like the United Kingdom or Sweden, who are embracing vaping instead of fighting it.

What This Means for Vapers and Vape Businesses

The vape ban will definitely impact vapers and vape businesses in Taiwan. The following are some points to keep in mind:

cNo More Vaping Products

Vaping products are now banned in Taiwan. This means that vapers cannot buy, sell, or manufacture any vaping products. Anyone caught vaping may incur a fine ranging from NT$2000 (US$66) to NT$10,000 (US$330).

Heated Tobacco Products Are Also Banned

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are also now subject to tighter regulations and advertising them is banned. Manufacturers or importers of HTPs will have to submit a health risk evaluation report for review before they can receive a permit to sell them.

No More Vape Ads

All forms of advertising related to vaping are now banned in Taiwan. This includes social media, TV, and print ads.

Strict Penalties

Businesses that do not adhere to the new regulations may face a hefty penalty of NT$50 million. This is a huge amount that could bankrupt smaller vape businesses.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s new vape ban has raised many questions about whether it will achieve its intended purpose. While the government is concerned about the potential harm caused by vaping, many believe that outright bans are not the answer. Taiwan should instead look to countries like the UK and Sweden, which have embraced vaping and tobacco harm reduction.

FAQs

• Q1. What does the vape ban in Taiwan entail? The vape ban in Taiwan means that the sale, manufacture, and supply of vaping products are now prohibited. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are also now subject to tighter regulations, and advertising them is banned.

• Q2. What happens if someone is caught vaping in Taiwan? Anyone caught vaping in Taiwan may incur a fine ranging from NT$2000 (US$66) to NT$10,000 (US$330).

• Q3. Can businesses still sell vaping products in Taiwan? No, businesses cannot sell vaping products in Taiwan. Those that do not adhere to the new regulations may face a hefty penalty of NT$50 million.

• Q4. What are some harm reduction strategies that Taiwan could implement instead of a vape ban? Taiwan could look to countries like the UK and Sweden, which have embraced vaping and tobacco harm reduction. Harm reduction strategies could include regulating e-liquids and vaporizers, ensuring that products are tested and meet safety standards, and educating the public on the risks and benefits of vaping. Additionally, Taiwan could consider implementing age verification and marketing restrictions to prevent underage use.

• Q5. Is vaping less harmful than smoking? According to many studies, vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. However, vaping still has risks, and long-term effects are not yet fully understood. While harm reduction strategies like vaping may help reduce smoking rates, quitting smoking altogether is still the best way to improve health.