One incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (January 30) for importing alternative smoking products and failing to comply with direction given by a member of the Customs and Excise Service, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

     Customs officers intercepted the incoming 35-year-old male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on October 5, 2025, and seized around 31 600 alternative smoking products with an estimated market value of about $85,320 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong 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).

Ends/Friday, January 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:51

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