Taiwan to ban use of heated tobacco products on flights from December 2026
The Civil Aeronautics Administration says heated tobacco products could increase the risks of cabin fires, smoke and aircraft maintenance, while existing e-cigarette restrictions will remain in effect.
Taiwan will further tighten controls on tobacco product use aboard aircraft. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) announced on Nov. 10 that passengers will be prohibited from using heated tobacco products during flights from Dec. 1, 2026. Violators could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to NT$150,000.
According to a Nov. 10 report by the Central News Agency (CNA), the CAA said the new rule is intended to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and address aviation safety risks associated with emerging tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
The CAA said using heated tobacco products in the cabin could create fire and smoke risks and potentially increase aircraft maintenance costs. It therefore said the products must be explicitly included in the ban on use aboard aircraft.
Under the amended regulations, passengers will be prohibited from using heated tobacco products during flights from Dec. 1. Existing restrictions on e-cigarettes will remain in effect.
Those who violate the relevant rules 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 another person's death, the penalty could be increased to life imprisonment or at least seven years in prison. If it causes serious injury, offenders could face between three and 10 years in prison.
The CAA reminded passengers to check the relevant rules on the airline's official website and at check-in counters before flying. After boarding, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices and related accessories should remain switched off and must not be used in the cabin.
As e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products become increasingly common in the market, aviation authorities around the world have continued to monitor their impact on cabin safety. Taiwan's expanded ban on tobacco product use aboard aircraft will take effect in December.
Passengers carrying such devices should check their airline's rules in advance regarding the transportation of the equipment, batteries and baggage storage to avoid disrupting their travel plans or violating aviation safety requirements.