Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chongliang pointed out that the draft amendment to the "Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control Law" not only stipulates that "possession" of e-cigarettes can be confiscated and punished, but also imposes criminal liability on the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes, with different penalties and fines depending on the severity of the case and the quantity. The picture shows the Taichung City Health Bureau and the police discovered that a vendor was illegally selling e-cigarette components. (File photo, provided by Taichung City Government)
Recently, a parent in a local community in Taichung claimed that a fifth-grade student of an elementary school was smoking e-cigarettes in the school toilet, which attracted attention from all walks of life. Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chongliang pointed out that the draft amendment to the "Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control Act" can be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review by the Executive Yuan as soon as next week. In addition to clarifying that "possession" of e-cigarettes can be confiscated and punished, this amendment also imposes criminal liability on the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes. Different sentences and fines will be given according to the severity of the case and the quantity.
Rumor has it that a primary five student was smoking e-cigarettes in the school toilet
The current "Smoking Harm Prevention Law" has completely banned e-cigarettes and other cigarette products, but there are no penalties for possession. Shi Chongliang explained that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has sent the draft amendment to the "Smoking Harm Prevention Law" to the Executive Yuan for discussion to strengthen the management of e-cigarettes and other cigarettes. The provisions of the revised law are generally completed, and the final text and criminal liability are being compared. After discussion and approval by the Executive Yuan at the earliest next week, it can be sent to the Legislative Yuan for review.
Shi Chongliang said that in the past, there were only administrative penalties for the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes and other cigarettes. This revision of the law is expected to impose different levels of criminal liability and fines on the above-mentioned behaviors based on the severity of the case and the quantity.
Unscrupulous traders adulterated the first-class drug etomidate
Regarding the possession of electronic cigarettes, Shi Chongliang pointed out that in the past, the "Smoking Harm Prevention Law" only confiscated and fined "used" cigarettes. This time the revised law plans to directly confiscate and fine "possessors", and adopt different treatments according to the severity of the circumstances.
"Etomidate is a drug, not a cigarette!" Shi Chongliang emphasized that recently, unscrupulous operators have been selling e-cigarettes, and even mixed with the drug etomidate. The Ministry of Health and Welfare reminds the public and children not to use it out of curiosity. At present, the Ministry of Justice has also classified etomidate as a first-class drug. In terms of raw material control, it is not allowed to be manufactured, sold, or imported. Related inspections will be strengthened in the future.
Shi Chongliang also pointed out that although the "Smoking Harm Prevention Law" is still in the process of being revised, in addition to the Ministry of Education strengthening drug and tobacco hazard prevention propaganda for students on campus, schools can "temporarily keep" cigarette-like products found in students' possession and notify the Health Bureau to facilitate "following the clues", tracing the source of the products, and cooperating with inspections and investigations.
Synchronously strengthen network platform management and responsibility
In addition, Shi Chongliang mentioned that in order to further prevent the circulation of cigarette-like products, the draft amendment to the "Smoking Harm Prevention Law" also simultaneously strengthens the management and responsibilities of Internet platforms. It is planned to require Internet operators to establish risk control and self-discipline management mechanisms for tobacco hazard prevention illegal information, and fulfill the obligations of good managers. They must not avoid management responsibilities on the grounds that the platform is open content or naturally generated information; the relevant management mechanism must also be provided to the competent authority for review.
