According to Taiwanese media reports, since the comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and the regulation of heated tobacco products last year, law enforcement agencies have seized and fined a total of 579 cases, totaling 33.43 million yuan. It is worth noting that in the past three months, nearly 90% of suspected illegal cases have been concentrated on three platforms - Facebook, Instagram, and Ruten Auction.
The head of the Tobacco Hazards Control Group, Zeng Bochang, explained that the National Health Agency (NHA) has been providing assistance to online platforms and organizations such as Shopee, Taobao, eBay, MOMO, Instagram, Facebook, PChome, YouTube, Dcard, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and self-established websites, in establishing their own self-regulation mechanisms by offering keyword monitoring. Some platforms have already cooperated with the NHA in this regard. However, there are still a few that need to make improvements.
According to Tseng Bochang, from March 22nd to December 31st last year, more than 70% of suspected illegal cases were found on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Ruten. In the past three months, the percentage has risen even higher to 90%, prompting continuous monitoring and inspection. Offenders will be referred to the Department of Health for further action.
According to the regulations of the "Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act," manufacturers and importers of banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products that have not undergone health risk assessment can face fines ranging from ten to fifty million New Taiwan Dollars. Sellers and exhibitors can be fined from two hundred thousand to one million New Taiwan Dollars, while users can be fined from two thousand to ten thousand New Taiwan Dollars.
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