Taiwan health ministry to allow e-cigarette confiscation

Taiwan’s health ministry plans to amend the law to fine people who possess e-cigarettes up to NT$10,000 (US$333).

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act has a legal gap. He explained that the act bans the use, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes, but the law does not clearly punish people who only possess them.

The ministry has sent proposed amendments to the Cabinet for review. Shih said the changes are meant to make enforcement clearer.

Taiwan banned e-cigarettes and related vaping products in March 2023. The law also requires heated tobacco products to pass health risk reviews before they can be sold.

Economic Daily News reported that the issue has drawn new attention after several drug-impaired driving cases involving so-called “zombie vape cartridges.” The cartridges contain etomidate, a controlled drug, and are often used with e-cigarette devices.

Under the planned changes, authorities could confiscate e-cigarettes, parts, and related devices. People who possess them could face fines of NT$2,000 to NT$10,000.

The fine would match the current penalty for using e-cigarettes. Shih said the ministry wants the law to cover use and possession.

The amendments would also strengthen rules for websites and online platforms. Health Promotion Administration Director-General Shen Ching-fen (沈靜芬) said internet companies would have to take greater responsibility for illegal e-cigarette content.

Shen said platforms could not avoid responsibility by saying they only host user posts or automated content. She said companies would have to set up control systems and report them to the authorities.

The Health Promotion Administration already monitors the internet for illegal e-cigarette sales and advertisements, Shen said. When violations are found, officials ask platform operators to remove the content.

After the law is amended, authorities could also restrict access to illegal pages or remove unlawful information when needed. Shen said fines for illegal online sales or advertising would remain at NT$400,000 to NT$2 million.