Imported or domestically produced cigarettes are subject to a tobacco health surcharge of NT$20 per pack. Lin Ching-li (林清麗), director of the Tobacco Control Division at the John Tung Foundation, yesterday said that most countries primarily rely on tobacco taxes, while Taiwan uses both a tobacco tax and a tobacco health surcharge. Lin said Taiwan’s tobacco tax and surcharge should be increased immediately when adjusted, without giving tobacco companies time to stockpile and profit. Shen said the core purpose of levying tobacco taxes and surcharges is to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health. She said increasing tobacco taxes or surcharges is only one part of tobacco control policy.

Source: Taipei Times January 03, 2026 18:00 UTC