Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) will prohibit heated tobacco use during flights from Dec. 1, adding to the existing e-cigarette ban as it seeks to limit fire and smoke risks.
The agency said the change aligns its rules with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. It also warned that use of the products could raise aircraft maintenance costs.
Article 102 of the Civil Aviation Act allows detention, a fine capped at NT$150,000 (US$4,564), or a prison sentence of no more than five years for a violation. A death caused by a violation can bring a life sentence or a minimum of seven years in prison. If someone is seriously injured, the prison term is three to 10 years.
The CAA said passengers should keep heated tobacco devices, e-cigarettes and related accessories switched off and refrain from using either product throughout the flight. Ahead of the Dec. 1 start, it advised travelers to review airline websites or ask at check-in about the rules.
