Earlier this month, Taiwan banned the sale and personal use of e-cigarettes and vaping products. They’re the first Asian country to do so. This decision was made due to growing concerns about the health risks associated with vaping, as well as the increasing number of cases of vaping-associated lung injury in the country.
New Ban Makes it Illegal to Sale Vaping Products in Taiwan
The ban, which went into effect on January 1st, 2020, makes it illegal to manufacture, import, sell, or promote e-cigarettes and vaping products in Taiwan. Individuals found in possession of these products can face fines of up to $1,500, while businesses found in violation of the ban can face fines of up to $15,000.
The decision to implement this ban was made after a series of discussions between the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The ban was also supported by health experts and medical organizations in the country, who cited the potential health risks associated with vaping as their main concern.
Read Vaping360’s recent article (written by Jim McDonald): Taiwan Bans Vape Sales and Personal Use
Lung Injury Listed As A Main Concern
One of the main concerns about vaping is the potential for lung injury. In Taiwan, there have been several reported cases of vaping-associated lung injury, which has led to increased scrutiny of the products. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that there have been over 2,800 cases of vaping-associated lung injury in the United States, with 68 deaths.
The Rise in Teens and Young Adults Vaping Cause For Concern
Another concern is the potential for vaping to serve as a gateway to smoking for young people. Research has shown that e-cigarette use is increasing among teens and young adults, and there is a concern that this could lead to an increase in smoking rates.
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Vaping Industry Critical of Taiwan’s Vape Sales Ban
The vaping industry has criticized Taiwan’s decision to implement the ban, arguing that e-cigarettes and vaping products are a safer alternative to smoking and can help smokers quit. They argue that the ban will make it more difficult for smokers to quit and that it could lead to an increase in the black market for vaping products.
Despite these criticisms, Taiwan’s decision to implement the ban on vaping products is a strong statement against the growing trend of vaping. It sends a message to other countries and the global vaping industry that the potential health risks associated with vaping are being taken seriously.
What Does Taiwan’s Ban Mean for Vaping Industry?
“The new law provides steep fines for illegal sales, ranging from 10-50 million New Taiwan Dollars (NT), according to the Taipei Times. (Equivalent to about $330,000 to $1.65 million U.S.) Individuals caught vaping face fines of NT2,000-10,000 ($66-$330 U.S.)” – Vaping360
It is likely that other countries will follow Taiwan’s lead and implement similar bans on vaping products. This could have a significant impact on the global vaping industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
Taiwan’s ban on vape sales and personal use is a significant move in the fight against the potential health risks associated with vaping. It serves as a warning to other countries and the vaping industry that the potential dangers of vaping are being taken seriously.
It remains to be seen how this will impact the global vaping industry in the long term, but it is clear that the trend towards regulation and restriction of vaping products is on the rise.
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