TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國健署) on Wednesday (Jan. 8) clarified its stance on the health risk assessments of heated tobacco products. The agency emphasized it has no predetermined position or timeline, as six companies have completed the necessary documentation for review. The "Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act" (菸害防制法), effective on March 22, 2023, prohibits the manufacturing, import, sale, supply, display, or advertisement of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products not approved through health risk assessments in Taiwan.
The Executive Yuan (行政院) addressed recent reports, stating that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) did not discuss heated tobacco products during his Tuesday meeting with the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council (美國台灣商業協會). The Executive Yuan expressed regret over the inaccurate reports. HPA noted the review committee will base its decisions on the "Regulations of the Health Risk Assessments Review" (指定菸品健康風險評估審辦法). The agency will update the public on application submissions and review progress twice monthly on its website. HPA stressed the importance of safeguarding public health and adhering to scientific evidence and professional standards in its evaluations.
Since May 2023, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部) has convened a review committee with experts in public health, health policy, and toxicology. By 2024, the committee held 43 meetings to assess the health risks of these products.