Taspo

Taspo card

Taspo is a Japanese smart card system used for age verification in the purchase of tobacco products. The system was introduced by the Tobacco Institute of Japan to prevent underage smoking and ensure compliance with Japanese laws regarding the sale of tobacco.

Overview

The Taspo card is a contactless IC card that stores the user's age and other relevant information. It is issued to individuals who are 20 years of age or older, which is the legal smoking age in Japan. The card must be presented at vending machines and other points of sale to verify the user's age before a tobacco purchase can be made.

History

The Taspo system was launched in 2008 as part of a broader initiative to curb underage smoking. Prior to the introduction of Taspo, there were concerns about the ease with which minors could purchase tobacco products from vending machines. The implementation of Taspo aimed to address these concerns by providing a reliable method of age verification.

Application Process

To obtain a Taspo card, individuals must apply through the Tobacco Institute of Japan. The application process requires the submission of personal identification documents to verify the applicant's age. Once approved, the card is issued and can be used immediately for tobacco purchases.

Usage

Taspo cards are primarily used at vending machines, which are equipped with card readers to scan the card and verify the user's age. The system has been effective in reducing the number of underage tobacco purchases, as vending machines will not dispense tobacco products without a valid Taspo card.

Impact

Since its introduction, the Taspo system has been credited with significantly reducing the incidence of underage smoking in Japan. The system has also raised awareness about the legal age for smoking and the importance of age verification in the sale of tobacco products.

Criticism

Despite its success, the Taspo system has faced some criticism. Some users have found the application process cumbersome, and there have been concerns about privacy and the security of personal information stored on the cards. Additionally, the system does not cover all points of sale, such as convenience stores, where age verification is still conducted manually.

See Also

• Tobacco smoking
• Age verification
• Smart card
• Tobacco Institute of Japan