Flavored tobacco products are popular with young people and women in Taiwan.
Taiwan's health authorities have voiced growing concerns over the country's youth and female populations' increased use of flavored tobacco products, reports Taiwan News.
According to a 2022 survey, 18.2% of those who are 18 years of age or older said they have used flavored tobacco products. This is an increase from the 15.6% who said the same in 2020. According to the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), notably, female respondents showed a greater usage rate, with 43.8% indicating an interest in these goods, compared to the 14.3% recorded among male respondents.
Furthermore, research from 2021 showed that 40% of Taiwan's teenage smokers used fragrant tobacco products. In particular, female students in junior high and senior high school demonstrated utilization rates of 57.2% and 60.7%, respectively, higher than those of male students.
An amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act was enacted in March to address this rising concern, banning flavorings from being added to tobacco products. Public feedback is being sought regarding the possible bans on some specific fragrances, including fruity, floral, chocolate, and mint. These discussions are now under progress.