Taiwan may impose fines for possession of electronic cigarettes

The Taiwan administration will amend the anti-smoking law, according to which the possession of electronic cigarettes will be punishable by confiscation of devices and a fine of 2 thousand to 10 thousand Taiwanese dollars. This was reported on May 29 by the Taipei Times newspaper.

"The law on the prevention of harm from tobacco smoking will be amended, according to which the possession of electronic cigarettes will face confiscation and a fine," the publication says.

In addition, the island's administration will tighten control over the online sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes. The concept of "responsible management" will also be introduced, meaning that the platform owner must actively ensure that illegal products are not distributed and electronic vaporizers are not advertised.

It is noted that Taiwan has long been pursuing an anti-smoking policy. In 2023, a previous amendment to the anti-smoking law banned e-cigarettes and similar products, introduced stricter controls on new tobacco products such as heated tobacco, and introduced a health risk assessment when checking them. A fine of up to 5 million Taiwanese dollars is provided for violating the requirements of the law regarding electronic cigarettes and similar products.

There is no smoke: nicotine-free vapes may be subject to excise duty

Additional budget revenues may amount to 50 billion rubles a year, experts say.

A lifetime ban on the purchase of cigarettes for all people born on January 1, 2009, was passed by both houses of the British Parliament on April 21 and will come into force when it is signed by King Charles III of Great Britain. The law, which aims to create a "smoke-free" generation, implies that all citizens of the country who are now 17 years old or younger will never be able to purchase cigarettes or vapes in the UK.