Taipei City Construction Management Office

In response to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Health Promotion Administration (HPA) announcement that fourteen heated tobacco products from two companies have conditionally passed health risk assessments and some of the heated tobacco products will roll out on October 11, 2025, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Finance and Department of Health have launched a joint inspection campaign on October 9.

The inspection target tobacco retailers across the city, stores located within 50 meters of senior high schools and below, and heated tobacco shops, aiming to protect the health and safety of citizens and students.

Commissioner Hu Hsiao-Lan of the Department of Finance stated that under the Enforcement Rules of the Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act, heated tobacco products are classified as “other tobacco products.” The heated tobacco products have not passed the health risk assessment or have been smuggled are considered illicit tobacco. 

As this is the first time the HPA has approved heated tobacco products for sale, the Departments of Finance and Health have taken preemptive action through joint inspections—demonstrating the city government’s unified commitment to protecting public health. Commissioner Hu added that the city will continue to strengthen training for enforcement officers and launch inspection to prevent the circulation of illegal tobacco products in the market.

The Department of Finance reminds the public that under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, all heated tobacco products must receive HPA approval before they can be sold. Any unapproved product is considered illegal, and both the Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act and the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act carry penalty provisions. The Department urges all businesses and consumers to comply with the law.

Citizens who discover illegal tobacco sales can report the Department of Finance via the Taipei Citizen Hotline (1999 ext. 6294) or email prosecute01@gov.taipei. Verified reports that result in penalties under the Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act may qualify for a reward of 20% of the total fine and confiscated value, up to 6 million NTD per case. The city encourages residents to help combat illegal tobacco sales and join in protecting the health of our community.