Regulating E-Cigarettes: Minister Shih Chong-liang Says Tobacco Control Act Amendment to Pass Cabinet Next Week

Central News

(Central News Agency reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 18) Reports of e-cigarette violations on school campuses have surged dramatically. Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chong-liang emphasized today that the draft amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act will introduce criminal liability for manufacturing and significantly increase penalties. The draft is expected to be discussed and passed by the Executive Yuan cabinet as early as next week, after which it will be immediately submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Education's National Academy of Educational Research, reports of students suspected of carrying or using e-cigarettes have shown explosive growth: 237 cases in 2023 (Minguo Year 112), 499 in 2024 (Year 113), and a sharp rise to 1,692 in 2025 (Year 114)—a nearly sevenfold increase. As of May 31 this year, just five months into the year, the number of reported cases has already reached 1,050, exceeding 60% of last year's total.

The Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Committee today reviewed the Health and Welfare Ministry's budget proposals for fiscal year 2026 (Minguo Year 115), inviting Minister Shih Chong-liang and other officials to attend. Speaking to the media before the session, Shih responded to concerns about e-cigarette harm to youth.

He said the Ministry recently completed the draft amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which has undergone multiple meetings at the Executive Yuan and is now undergoing final textual and criminal liability alignment. "The draft is expected to be discussed and passed by the Executive Yuan cabinet as early as next week, after which it will be immediately sent to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation."

Shih pointed out that the key focus of this amendment is to significantly strengthen e-cigarette regulation. Previously, only administrative penalties applied to manufacturing and importing e-cigarettes; going forward, these acts will be subject to criminal liability, with varying penalties and fines based on severity.

Notably, possession previously had no penalty. Shih emphasized that under the amendment, even non-active offenders found in possession of e-cigarettes will have the products confiscated and face high fines.

Additionally, Shih stated that online and digital platforms illegally selling e-cigarettes will face increased management responsibilities and compliance obligations under the amendment, including requirements to cooperate with authorities in blocking, removing, or obscuring illegal content. Violators will face heavy penalties.

Regarding the recent emergence of etomidate—commonly known as "zombie smoke"—on school campuses, Shih repeatedly stressed, "Etomidate is a narcotic, not a cigarette," and confirmed it has officially been upgraded to a Grade 1 controlled substance. He urged youth not to experiment out of curiosity.

To prevent drug infiltration into schools, Shih said the government will activate a cross-ministerial enforcement mechanism. In addition to the Ministry of Justice strengthening enforcement and the Ministry of Education promoting anti-drug education, school personnel will be granted authority to confiscate suspected drugs. Before the amendment passes, schools may temporarily hold suspected items and notify health bureaus and prosecutors to trace upstream sources.

Shih also mentioned that the Ministry of Transportation is revising penalties for drugged driving. In the future, drugged drivers will face heavier criminal and administrative penalties, and their vehicles will also be subject to confiscation. The Executive Yuan has convened multiple cross-ministerial meetings, demonstrating the government's determination to combat emerging drugs and safeguard campus and public safety. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150618