Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved strict draft amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, criminalizing the e-cigarette trade with prison sentences up to seven years. This aggressive policy shift, aimed at curbing drug-driving and the spread of etomidate-laced “zombie vapes,” also introduces hefty fines for possession.
The legislative push is part of a broader national strategy targeting illicit substances. E-cigarettes have increasingly become delivery mechanisms for etomidate, a drug recently elevated to Class I status following a rise in “zombie vape” incidents and drug-related driving offenses.
To clearly outline the proposed legal changes, the draft establishes a dual-track system of criminal prosecution for distributors and administrative fines for end-users:
| Offense Category | Proposed Penalty | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing, Importing, Selling | Up to 7 years in prison & up to NT$5 million fine | Criminal offense; includes corporate liability and attempted offenses. |
| Possession or Use | NT$30,000 to NT$100,000 fine | Administrative penalty; illegal devices will be confiscated. |
| Inbound Tourists (carrying ≤5 units / <500g) | NT$200,000 to NT$1 million fine | Repeat offenses within one year face up to 1 year in prison. |
The amendment also targets online distribution by requiring internet service providers to block illegal vaping content. Additionally, heated tobacco products (HTPs) will face tighter restrictions, aligning their components and retail displays with traditional cigarettes.
Acknowledging that many youth users are targets of clever marketing, Health Promotion Administration (HPA) Director-General Shen Ching-fen stated that the government plans a one-month grace period. Authorities are urging the public to voluntarily surrender their e-cigarettes at designated recycling points before penalties are enforced.
- Souce: 政院通過修法 電子煙製販最高處7年徒刑、持有罰10萬元
