TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國健署) announced on Tuesday (July 29) that the first batch of heated tobacco products has conditionally passed regulatory review, paving the way for their legal sale in Taiwan. The timeline for the 14 approved items from two companies depends on additional packaging requirements and final review processes. This marks a significant milestone in Taiwan's evolving tobacco regulation landscape following recent legislative changes.
The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法), amended on March 22, 2023, bans e-cigarettes while strictly regulating new tobacco products. HPA Director-General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) emphasized in an interview that vendors require a preparation period after approval before market launch. Wu explained that conditionally approved heated tobacco products must complete manufacturing, production, and packaging processes before passing final regulatory review.
The HPA plans to follow standard tobacco product procedures, carefully scrutinizing packaging and contents of heated tobacco products. The review committee prioritized public health and protection of vulnerable groups, including youths under 20 and pregnant women, requiring compliance with seven specific conditions. Vendors must allocate funds annually for independent monitoring and report comprehensive usage data to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW, 衛福部).
The HPA also noted that vendors must establish robust systems for adverse event reporting and notify authorities of new findings regarding product addictiveness. Any changes in product composition require comprehensive re-evaluation, while strict age verification and advertising controls remain mandatory. Misleading terms such as "safer than cigarettes" are explicitly banned from all product packaging and marketing materials. ◼