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| Alternative smoking products seized at HK Airport (File) |
While they may be legal in many countries like the Philippines, e-cigarettes, vapes, herbal cigarettes or any other alternative smoking products, may not be brought into, or possessed in public, in Hong Kong, where such acts are heavily penalized.
This was emphasized by the Department of Health when it welcomed the decision by the Kowloon Magistrates’ Court last Friday, Aug. 22, to sentence a man to six months in prison for bringing in 33,800 alternative smoking products (ASP).
According to a government press release, the Customs and Excise Department found the illicit items in the luggage of the man who arrived from Japan on August 20. After being notified of the case, The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health immediately arrested and prosecuted the defendant.
The case was immediately resolved after the accused was taken to court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of illegally importing alternative smoking products.
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| Possessing vape, e-cigarettes in public is also unalawful (File) |
Since the amendment of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on Sept. 19, 2025, a total of 29 cases involving large importation of ASP have been prosecuted. Thirty-one persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person convicted of importing ASPs, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, could be fined up to $500,000 and imprisoned for two years.
If convicted on indictment, the accused faces a maximum penalty of HK$2 million in fine and imprisonment for seven years.
Separately, the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale or possession for commercial purposes (or in public) of alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH also cautions the public that ASPs are addictive and are not effective in helping a person quit smoking. Studies also show that e-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.
Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and people around them. If they need help in kicking the habit, they may call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.
The government statement said TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
