DH clamps down on illegal sale of alternative smoking products (with photo)

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The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (July 23) that it carried out an enforcement operation codenamed "Thunderstone" yesterday (July 22) to continuously combat the illegal sale of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was intercepted in Sau Mau Ping, and a total of 400 ASPs were seized.

     TACO earlier received a complaint about the distribution of promotional leaflets for smoking products. Following investigation, enforcement action was taken yesterday, during which a 39-year-old man was stopped on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 400 ASPs were seized. TACO is continuing its investigation and will initiate prosecution once sufficient evidence has been obtained.

      According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, 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 million and imprisonment for seven years. The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30, 2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, carries criminal liability. Purchasing ASPs online may also involve importation and breach the law.

     The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs 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/Thursday, July 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:40

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The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health announced today (July 23) that it carried out an enforcement operation codenamed "Thunderstone" yesterday (July 22) to continuously combat the illegal sale of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was intercepted in Sau Mau Ping, and a total of 400 ASPs were seized. Photo shows the suspected ASPs seized.