A woman has received a sentence of four months’ imprisonment following her illegal importation of 22,000 alternative smoking products into Hong Kong. This verdict was delivered today, March 14, at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts.
The Department of Health (DH) has welcomed this ruling and has reiterated its warning to both residents and visitors regarding the prohibition of alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and herbal cigarettes within Hong Kong. Furthermore, the DH advises against the usage of any such products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) was alerted by Hong Kong Customs on March 12, which led to the interception of the aforementioned products found in the luggage of the woman, who had arrived from Japan. Subsequently, TACO took action to arrest and prosecute the individual.
Since the introduction of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which granted arrest powers to TACO inspectors on September 19, 2025, there have been 18 prosecutions concerning the importation of substantial quantities of alternative smoking products. To date, twenty individuals have been convicted, receiving prison sentences ranging from two to six months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), importing alternative smoking products, which encompass electronic smoking devices, heated tobacco products, and herbal cigarettes, constitutes an offence. The penalties for such an offence can include a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of two years upon summary conviction, or a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for up to seven years upon conviction on indictment.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), the promotion, manufacture, sale, or possession of alternative smoking products for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. Offenders risk incurring a fine of $50,000 and a six-month prison term.
TACO has committed to ongoing vigilance and enforcement of the law to address related offences effectively. Additionally, the DH warns that alternative smoking products are associated with addiction and are not effective cessation tools. The potential health risks linked to e-cigarettes, including elevated chances of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disorders, are significant. Smokers are encouraged to quit as soon as possible for their own health and that of those around them. For assistance, individuals may contact the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183 or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for further information regarding cessation options.