Taiwan anti-smoking alliance warns of illegal heated tobacco ads

台灣禁煙聯盟警告加熱菸違法廣告

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Alliance of Banning Cigarettes Taiwan on Tuesday warned that illegal online ads for heated tobacco products and devices pose a risk to students’ health.

The alliance and several parent groups held a joint press conference to expose the marketing tactics. They urged the Health Promotion Administration to remove the ads and delay the products’ release, arguing the move would undermine Taiwan’s tobacco control measures, per a John Tung Foundation press release.

Parent groups said heated tobacco ads are widespread, with Google searches yielding about 20 websites promoting new models, multiple flavors, and quick delivery. Similar content also circulates on social media and Line groups.

Their call came after the HPA’s July 29 decision to approve 14 heated tobacco products from US and Japanese companies for sale in stores.

The Taiwan Mothers Shield Alliance said the administration failed to disclose the approved brands, product types, devices, or whether they contain flavor additives, calling it a major oversight. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act bans flavored tobacco sales.

National Taiwan University family physician Kuo Fei-ran (郭斐然) stressed that tobacco products should be strictly regulated. He warned that flavored heated tobacco poses health risks and urged the administration to suspend their release.

HPA Deputy Director Chia Shu-li (賈淑麗) said approvals were based on a health risk assessment and promised stronger market oversight, with penalties for any retailers selling to those under 20.

Online sales of tobacco products remain banned. Companies face fines of up to NT$25 million (US$766,000) for violations, while individuals can be fined up to NT$550,000.