As a result of a 2022 survey indicating a 2.6% increase in the use of flavoured vapes among adults, especially women, health officials in Taiwan are expressing concern over the increasing popularity of the products. More specifically, in 2021 40% of adolescent vapers in Taiwan were using flavours, with higher rates among female students in junior high (57.2%) and senior high school (60.7%) compared to males.
Local health officials believe that vaping can increase the likelihood of youngsters developing addictions to other substances. To this effect, they have launched a public consultation to ban specific flavours such as chocolate and mint in these products.
The city of Taipei has taken matters in its own hands
Meanwhile, following up on a measure passed in 2021, the Taipei City Government has enforced the imminent national ban, and became the nation’s first local government to set a ban on e-cigarettes.
The new ordinance bans the importation, sale, manufacture, display or advertising of vaping and heated tobacco products and their components. However individuals in possession of special government permits will be exempted. Violators may face fines of between NT$10,000 (US$354) and NT$100,000 and unless they rectify their offence within the set time period, they may face a second fine and suspension order.
The legislation also sets in place an age limit, prohibiting people who are under the age of 18, from using vapes and heated tobacco products. Any minors caught using the products will be forced to attend smoking cessation classes, or pay fines of between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000. Additionally, vaping and using heated tobacco products are to be banned in a 50m zone around schools.
A debate held by the Chinese Debate Promotion Association (CDPA) at the Taipei NGO House in March 2022, discussed how vaping products should be regulated based on scientific evidence and human needs. The main debate at the event was whether vapes should be regulated and included different public policy viewpoints.
The government’s reasons for setting the ban have been proven unfounded
Debate participant Huang Kuan-lin (黃冠霖) said that the government’s reasons for banning vapes, such as the risk of increased teen vaping rates and the products acting as a gateway to smoking, are unreasonable.
A counter argument by Bi Ying-ying (畢盈盈) said that a random inspection found that over than 90% of vaping products contained harmful substances. Bi added that given that the nation has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the long-term goal is reducing all tobacco use (including vapes), and therefore the government should not permit the use of e-cigarettes while pursuing the goal.
While a survey aiming to gauge the opinion of local parents about the ban found that 97% of them are in agreement with having vaping products banned. The survey was conducted by the National Alliance of Parents Organizations, and it showed that the majority were unsatisfied with the fact that the current measure only bans some of the products.