• 地點:臺灣
• 發布日期: 2023/10/30
• 單位:內政部移民署
• 更新日期:2023/10/30
• 點閱次數:32

The so-called flavored tobacco products are tobacco products to which various spices have been added. These added spices are intended to alleviate the discomfort of the choking taste while smoking. The enhanced flavor of tobacco products is designed to attract individuals who have never smoked or who have only recently started smoking, resulting in the unwitting addiction of users.

In addition, diverse species are utilized in the marketing strategies of tobacco manufacturers in order to attract young users and prevent them from experiencing discomfort due to the choking flavor of tobacco products. By adding spices, users will develop a pleasurable sensation, erroneously making it appear less harmful and gradually leading to a smoking addiction among young people that cannot be eliminated and is difficult to quit. The National Health Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare reminds all that the use of flavored tobacco products poses health risks, including cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and other illnesses. The youth population is especially vulnerable to harm, as nicotine impairs brain development and causes issues with subsequent learning, attention, and emotional control, in addition to promoting drug addiction.

Refuse Flavored Tobacco Products to Protect Adolescents and Women.

According to the 2013-2014 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health, PATH research, flavored cigarettes with added spices are the first tobacco product tried by approximately 80% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. This includes paper cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and other types of tobacco products.2

Four out of ten adolescent smokers in Taiwan use flavored tobacco products, according to a survey conducted in 2021 (34.0% junior high school, 42.8% senior high school) (Note 1). Specifically, the usage rate is higher among women and men (57.2% of junior high school girls versus 20.6% of boys, 60.7% of vocational high school girls versus 35.8% of boys). In 2022, according to a survey of the smoking habits of Taiwanese adults over the age of 18, the proportion of smokers who use flavored tobacco will increase from 15.6% in 2020 to 18.2%. Among them, 43.8% of female smokers use flavored tobacco products, significantly higher than 14.3% of male smokers (Note 2). According to relevant research, flavored tobacco products are harmful to the health of Taiwan’s youth and women. To prevent young college students from becoming the next generation of smokers, everyone should encourage others to courageously refuse flavored tobacco products.

Regulating Flavored Tobacco Products for Youth Protection

The nations of the world began regulating the additives in tobacco products as they began to recognize the dangers that flavored tobacco products pose to children and adolescents. According to the international standards and recommendations in Article 9 and Article 10 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the addition of constituents to tobacco products that improve palatability, have coloring performance, and allow consumers to perceive health benefits, energy, or vitality should be restricted. In addition to the European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, other developed nations have begun regulating tobacco product additives. In September 2009, for instance, the United States prohibited all flavored tobacco products besides mint. It advocated further for the trial of mint-flavored tobacco products in April 2022. This extended ban can prevent young people from becoming future smokers and assist adult smokers in kicking the habit. It is also a significant step toward equitable health rights, reducing health disparities caused by smoking3. 

Article 10 of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act also authorizes central competent authorities to establish regulations regarding the prohibition of additives in tobacco products in order to protect the general public from the dangers of nicotine. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has provided a preview of the proposed rule regarding the use of additives such as floral fragrance, fruit fragrance, chocolate, and mint in tobacco products. In reference to the implementation standards and recommendations of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), related international management regulations and opinions from all parties are being collected in order to establish practical and feasible regulations for the management of flavored tobacco products, thereby reducing the smoking rates of Taiwanese citizens.

Note 1: Current definition of adolescent smokers: Those who have tried smoking within the past 30 days, even if it was only one or two puffs.

Note 2: Current definition of smokers aged 18 and older: Those who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes from before until now and have used tobacco products within the past 30 days.