Taiwan currently regulates Nicotine-containing products under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, while non-nicotine products are unregulated. However, according to an article by ECigIntelligence the executive branch of the Taiwanese government, the Executive Yuan, is considering an amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act equating to a total ban on the sale of all vaping products whether they contain nicotine or not.
While several studies have indicated that vaping does not act as a gateway to smoking, Taiwanese lawmakers cited a survey by the Health Promotion Administration in the Ministry of Health and Welfare, saying that vaping rates amongst teens have risen, and that they are concerned that e-cigarette use may lead to a tobacco addiction.
Vaping businesses are in peril
On the other hand, the chairman of the TVA Lee Chun Hao, is concerned that since e-cigarettes are being defined as “any electronic device which can release vapours and be used as a cigarette-like object” this amendment would lead to a total ban. “If the amendment is implemented, all e-cigarette operators will be weeded out from Taiwan,” he said.
Lee is concerned that the 30 vaping businesses in Taiwan might end up having to relocate. “Some are considering moving their business to the Chinese mainland, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.” ECigIntelligence said that the amendment should be sent by the Executive Yuan to the Legislative Yuan for approval this month.
Read Further: ECigIntelligence
Thanks for sharing!
We will definitely fight this battle till last minute. Hopefully, our government will change this ridiculous tobacco control policy………
Taiwan has a smoking rate of 15-18%.
Sounds to me like they’re getting a little kickback from somebody… probably tobacco and pharma.
Shows how much their government cares about their people.