Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District (with photos)
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Customs officers distributed promotional items to residents at the estate and introduced to them the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation as well as Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes.
The Government gazetted the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on September 19 to make amendments to the existing legislation for the implementation of a new phase of tobacco control measures. The enhanced penalties and enforcement measures for duty-not-paid tobacco offences have come into effect on the same day:
- Increase the penalty for offences of failing to declare dutiable goods, including tobacco and alcoholic liquor, to Customs Officers compoundable under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) from $2,000 to $5,000;
- Raise the maximum penalty for engaging in illicit cigarettes activities from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment; and
- List the relevant offences under Schedule 1 to the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to enhance the investigation and enforcement powers of Customs for combating illicit cigarette activities, including applying to the court to confiscate crime proceeds and to enhance sentencing.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.
Under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
Ends/Friday, September 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
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