Two men sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
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Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19 this year, TACO has prosecuted 14 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Sixteen persons have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from two to six months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2,000,000 and imprisonment for seven years.
Moreover, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH welcomes the court's ruling, stating that the imprisonment carries significant deterrent effect. DH reminds the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products (such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, or herbal cigarettes) into Hong Kong and not to use such products. TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
The DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. 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 that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.
Ends/Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:45
Issued at HKT 19:45
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