Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District (with photos)
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Customs officers distributed promotional items and explained anti-illicit cigarette messages to residents, as well as introduced the new penalties for offences related to illicit cigarettes, including the penalty increase for offences of failing to declare to Customs officers compoundable under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) from $2,000 to $5,000 and the enhanced maximum penalty for relevant offences relating to duty-not-paid tobacco from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment.
Customs officers also explained to the district councillors and residents that 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 will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
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, November 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:50
Issued at HKT 18:50
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