Taipei: The Cabinet on Thursday proposed fines ranging from NT$30,000 (US$943) to NT$100,000 for individuals found in possession of electronic cigarettes, which are banned in Taiwan. This initiative is part of broader efforts to curb the circulation of the illegal narcotic etomidate.

According to Focus Taiwan, the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act also suggests the same range of fines for individuals found in possession of electronic cigarette components, though it does not specify what constitutes such components. Despite the illegality of electronic cigarettes in Taiwan, there are currently no penalties for possessing them, leading to their continued use, Health Promotion Administration Director-General Shen Ching-fen explained during a weekly Cabinet news conference.

The Cabinet unveiled another proposal on Thursday that would introduce criminal penalties for the manufacture and importation of electronic cigarettes. Those who manufacture or import more than 1,000 units would face up to seven years in prison and a potential fine of up to NT$5 million. For those manufacturing or importing fewer than 1,000 units with a net weight of less than 100 kilograms, the penalty could be up to three years in prison and a potential fine of up to NT$3 million.

The proposal also targets individuals who sell, supply, or display more than 100 electronic cigarettes, who would face up to three years in prison and a potential fine of up to NT$3 million. Less serious offenses involving fewer than 100 units with a net weight of less than 10 kilograms would carry a prison term of up to one year and a potential fine of up to NT$1 million.

Shen noted that travelers attempting to bring fewer than five electronic cigarettes or related components through customs would face an administrative fine of between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million, given that electronic cigarettes are not banned in some countries. However, repeat offenders caught smuggling electronic cigarettes within one year of a previous offense would face up to one year in prison, detention, or a fine of up to NT$1 million.

Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that "the widespread use of electronic cigarettes has fueled the spread of etomidate and other emerging narcotics, posing a serious threat to society and schools." The proposals aim to curb illicit products at their source by cracking down on the manufacture, importation, supply, display, sale, and possession of electronic cigarettes. Cho also directed relevant authorities to proactively engage with legislative caucuses to facilitate the proposals' swift passage.