Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District (with photos)
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Before the start of the event, Customs officers conducted a brief for council members on the increase of 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. Moreover, a duty stamp system will be implemented to help distinguish between duty-paid and duty-not-paid cigarettes. The first phase of the system is planned to be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by full implementation in the second quarter of 2027. Hong Kong Customs launched a three-month pilot run for the duty stamp system on October 6, which aims to evaluate its effectiveness and feasibility, as well as to promote industry and public awareness of the key features of the system that enable them to prepare for related compliance in advance.
Customs officers also patrolled the estate and set up a promotional booth to distribute promotional items to residents in order to promote anti-illicit cigarette messages and encourage them to report suspected illicit cigarette trading activities to Customs.
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 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 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, October 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:07
Issued at HKT 19:07
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