Taiwan plans to increase penalties for illegally bringing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and related components into the country. Proposed amendments to customs anti-smuggling rules would remove the existing exemption from fines for tobacco-related products valued at NT$5,000 (US$160) or less.
The Ministry of Finance also plans to set higher fines for violations involving these products than for most other controlled goods.
Proposed changes to customs penalties
Under the planned amendments, people bringing covered tobacco-related products into Taiwan without complying with customs requirements would no longer be exempt from fines when the customs value is NT$5,000 or less.
Seized products would be confiscated. Individuals could also be referred to local health bureaus, which may impose fines of at least NT$50,000 (US$1,600) under Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.
Seizures reported by customs authorities
Customs data show 1,346 e-cigarette seizure cases in 2025, involving about 120,000 devices and 33,000 bottles or cartridges of e-liquid.
In the first eight months of 2026, authorities recorded 726 cases involving 35,000 devices and 40,000 bottles or cartridges of e-liquid.
The proposed changes would strengthen the financial consequences for people who illegally bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or related components into Taiwan.
Key takeaway
Taiwan plans to remove a low-value fine exemption and introduce tougher penalties for illegally importing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and related components.
Key points to remember
- Taiwan plans to remove the fine exemption for tobacco-related products valued at NT$5,000 or less.
- Proposed fines for violations involving e-cigarettes and related products would be higher than those for most other controlled goods.
- Customs recorded 1,346 e-cigarette seizure cases in 2025.
- The first eight months of 2026 saw 726 cases involving e-cigarette devices and e-liquid bottles or cartridges.
- Seized products would be confiscated, and some individuals may be referred to local health bureaus.
Frequently asked questions
What is Taiwan planning to change?
Taiwan plans to amend customs anti-smuggling rules to remove the existing fine exemption for tobacco-related products valued at NT$5,000 or less.
Which products are covered by the planned changes?
The plans cover e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and related components.
What happens to products seized by customs?
The products will be confiscated. Individuals may also be referred to local health bureaus.
What fines may health bureaus impose?
Local health bureaus may impose fines of at least NT$50,000 (US$1,600) under Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.
How many e-cigarette seizure cases were recorded in 2025?
Customs recorded 1,346 cases in 2025, involving about 120,000 devices and 33,000 bottles or cartridges of e-liquid.
Source Acknowledgement
Adapted for Smoke Free News from a report by Tobacco Reporter, published under the headline “Taiwan to Raise Penalties for Bringing in E-cigarettes.” The source journalist was not supplied. Source: https://tobaccoreporter.com/2026/09/22/taiwan-to-raise-penalties-for-bringing-in-e-cigarettes
Source: Tobacco Reporter
- Published
- 24 Sep 2026
- Last verified
- 24 Sep 2026
