Page 13 - TAIWAN TOBACCO CONTROL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key aspects 1. Strengthened controls of e-cigarettes: (a) Clear definition of e-cigarettes and explicit prohibition of e-cigarette smoking in non- smoking areas and e-cigarette advertisements and sponsorship, e-cigarette bans for minors and pregnant women, and prohibition of sale to minors; added provisions prohibiting manufacture, import, or sale of e-cigarettes and related components without drug permit licenses and medical device licenses to prevent early contact with drugs through vaping by teenagers and ensure effective protection of the public from exposure to harmful e-cigarettes and second-hand smoke. (b) Inspections and bans of e-cigarettes under the current version of the Act is based on a categorization of these products as candies, snacks, toys or any other objects in form of tobacco products. This definition is insufficient and law courts have also expressed the opinion that the current version of the Act requires amendment. (c) The results of a public opinion survey conducted in Taiwan in 2016 reveal that 72.9% of all citizens support a full ban on e-cigarette imports, while 92.6% favor a ban on sale of e-cigarettes to minors. 2. Ban on flavored cigarettes: (a) Planned prohibition of flavoring of tobacco products with flower, fruit, chocolate, and mint fragrances and other additives publicly banned by central competent authorities to prevent use of tobacco products by children and teenagers due to curiosity or misperception of flavored cigarettes as harmless and thereby reduce smoking rates and smoking addictions. (b) A study conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration reveals that flavored cigarettes are apt to addictive for teenagers while quitting is difficult. They often end up trying other tobacco products. The US, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the EU have implemented controls and restrictions on tobacco product additives to prevent misperceptions of flavored cigarettes by smokers as harmless then keep smoking habits. (c) The results of a public opinion survey reveal that 86% of general public and 78% of smokers support a ban on flavored cigarettes. 3. Warning labels on tobacco product containers expanded to 85%: (a) Planned expansion of the warning label area from 35% to 85% of the container. (b) 109 countries worldwide currently implement graphic warning labels. Roughly 40% (43 of 109 countries) require that graphic warning labels cover at least 65% of the container. Taiwan currently requires warning labels to cover 35% of the container which is a relatively low requirement. (c) The WHO points out that the printing of large graphic warning labels for tobacco product containers is economical, generates high exposure, and provides direct education for smokers. Academic research reveals that larger health warning labels increase the motivation of smokers to resist smoking. They also give children and teenagers whose physical and mental development is not yet complete a clear understanding of the health risks of tobacco products to reduce the likelihood of children and teenagers becoming smokers. (d) 84% of general public and 56% of smokers support enlarged warning labels. 11 Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act