Taiwan to ban heated tobacco products on flights from Dec. 1

Taiwan will ban the use of heated tobacco products on flights starting Dec. 1, with penalties including up to five years in prison or a fine of up to NT $150,000 (US$4,564), the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) said Tuesday.

The CAA said the change was intended to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and address potential safety risks associated with newer tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Using such products could create fire and smoke hazards and increase aircraft maintenance costs, the agency said.

A person smokes an e-cigarette in an undated photograph. Warning: Smoking can damage your health.

Photo: Taipei Times

Under the revised rules, passengers will be prohibited from using heated tobacco products at any point during a flight, while the existing ban on e-cigarettes will remain in place.

Violators could face up to five years in prison, detention or a fine of up to NT$150,000 under the Civil Aviation Act.

If a violation results in death, the offender could face life imprisonment or a prison term of at least seven years. If it causes serious injury, the penalty is three to 10 years in prison.

The CAA advised passengers to check the relevant rules on their airline’s website or at check-in counters before boarding.

Once on board, passengers should keep e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices and associated devices and accessories switched off and refrain from using them throughout the flight, the agency said.