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Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in Tai Po (with photos)
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     Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Tai Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. 

     Customs officers patrolled the housing estates, introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes, and reminded them that the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes had been increased to a fine of $2 million and seven-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

     Customs officers also introduced to the members of the District Council, residents and cigarette retailers the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishing of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".

     Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the 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 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 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, 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 leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
 
Ends/Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:05
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Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department at Tai Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.
Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department at Tai Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows a Customs officer and members of the District Council explaining to an estate security guard how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department at Tai Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows Customs Officers promoting anti-illicit cigarette messages and introducing the Duty Stamp System to a cigarette retailer.