Emphasis has been placed on carrying out compliance checks, expanding the network of smoking cessation services, bolstering targeted education programs, increasing publicity and promoting local tobacco control work. These approaches remind people to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act so a more comprehensive smoke-free environment can be achieved.
(1) Procactive law enforcement, inspection and guidance in the promotion of tobacco hazards prevention work
Health bureaus in all cities and counties are actively committed to law enforcement, inspections, and guidance. In 2019, the number of inspected cases nationwide exceeded 690,000 with over 4.65 million individual inspections. A total of 7,872 disciplinary citations were issued. Total fines amounted to over NT$88.94 million.Fines imposed for 33 cases violating the provisions governing the promotion or advertising of tobacco products set forth in Article 9 of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act exceeded NT$42.55 million.
(2) Training activities held to enhance the professionalism of tobacco hazards prevention
By holding research camps, seminars, and training classes, and compiling handbooks on compliance with the law, the HPA has improved the quality of tobacco prevention professionals’ work. It also provides education and training for tobacco hazards prevention volunteers.
(3) Tobacco hazards complaint hotline Tobacco hazard prevention needs us to work together
The HPA provides a “Complaints on Tobacco Hazards Hotline” at 0800-531-531 to deal with public inquiries and reports relating to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.
(4) Active promotion of the amendment of related laws to build a tobacco-free environment
The amendment of Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act passed the third reading in the Legislative Yuan on January 12, 2023, promulgated by President on February 15, 2023 and the effective date was March 22, 2023. The amendment consists of the following key points:
i. Banning all kinds of imitation tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes.
ii. Designated tobacco products shall be applied to the central competent authority for the health risk assessment review (e.g. heated tobacco products).
iii. The health warning graphic and text labels on tobacco packaging increase from 35% to 50%.
iv. Tobacco products shall not contain prohibited additives announced by the central competent authority.
v. Raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 20.
vi. Expanding non-smoking places: Universities, kindergartens, childcare centers and family childcare facilities are completely non-smoking; bars and nightclubs are also prohibited for smoking, except in separate smoking rooms.
vii. Increased penalties.