Read articles from Hong Kong

September 15, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong passed a contentious tobacco control bill to decrease smoking rates. Concerns were raised about tourism and illicit cigarette trade impact. The bill includes measures like banning alternative smoking products in public by April 2026 and flavored cigarettes by 2027. Penalties for possessing illicit cigarettes have increased, and smoking is prohibited at transport boarding points and certain public areas. E-cigarettes' use in public will be banned, with fines for possessing e-liquids. The bill's effects on smokers are analyzed in comparison to neighboring regions.

June 19, 2025 by vapingpost.com

Hong Kong is considering stricter tobacco regulations, but a study shows peer pressure and stress as key drivers of nicotine use, highlighting the importance of harm reduction strategies. Current policies risk pushing users to more harmful options by banning safer alternatives. Global experiences, like the Maldives' vape ban leading to increased illicit tobacco activity, caution against overly restrictive measures. Advocates urge for inclusive policies at COP11, calling for innovation and consumer voices in tobacco control. Differentiated tax regimes, as seen in Japan and New Zealand, can reduce smoking rates. Hong Kong's tobacco policy should prioritize harm reduction to achieve effective public health outcomes instead of solely focusing on control and punishment.

May 26, 2025 by scmp.com

A university study in Hong Kong found that almost 70% of under 25-year-olds have tried e-cigarettes, with 60% citing peer pressure. Another study showed over a third of regular smokers support plain cigarette packaging, planned by 2027. The government proposed 10 tobacco control measures in June last year, including banning flavoured cigarettes and alternative smoking products. Associate Professor Eva Ho Ka-yan expressed concerns about teenagers being misled by online promotions, making them think e-cigarettes are harmless. The accessibility of such products in clubs, bars, and online tutorials was highlighted. A research program engaged 2,000 individuals and assisted 2,500 in smoking cessation inquiries.

April 25, 2025 by rthk.hk

The government plans to ban e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and flavored tobacco, with penalties for possession or sale of these items. The ban on alternative smoking products in public will start in April next year, focusing on underage access. Penalties include fines and jail time. Flavored tobacco sales may be banned in 2027 to counter tobacco companies’ promotion. Possession limits and exceptions for personal use by inbound passengers are considered. Authorities aim to discourage youth smoking and control access to smoking products, intending to eventually extend the ban to smoking devices.

April 25, 2025 by hongkongfp.com

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarettes and smoking in public places by April 2026. The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces fines of HK$3,000 for violators. The bill also includes expanding no-smoking areas and doubling fines for smoking violations. Flavoured tobacco sales will be phased out by the second quarter of 2027. Stricter measures on illegal cigarettes include labeling requirements for every pack sold. The proposal aims to deter smoking among youth. Additionally, providing smoking products to minors will result in fines up to HK$25,000. The government's goal is to enhance public health and reduce smoking prevalence.

April 03, 2025 by hongkongfp.com

Hong Kong plans to prohibit e-cigarette possession and smoking in public by mid-2026, with a potential extension to private places. A bill to enforce this crackdown and ban alternative smoking items will be introduced soon, aiming to lower smoking rates and protect young people's health. The maximum penalty for illicit cigarette activities could increase significantly. Stricter smoking regulations may include fines for overstocking duty-free tobacco and expanding smoke-free zones near certain establishments. Measures to curb smoking are expected to further restrict smoking practices and enhance public health in Hong Kong.

February 17, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong and mainland China are tackling smoking issues. Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarettes in public and flavoured tobacco by mid-2026 to reduce smoking rates. A call for a total ban on flavoured tobacco targets its appeal to youth and women. Bans aim to lower the city's smoking rate below 7.8% by 2026. Concerns arise over shisha bars facing closure due to the ban and fears of users turning to illegal venues. Suggestions include a transition period. Experts raise worries of youth and women drawn to flavoured products. Banning flavoured tobacco is proposed to curb smoking habits.

February 10, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarette cartridges in public by mid-2026. Health Minister Lo Chung-mau mentioned that a bill will be submitted to the legislature in two months, also considering a sales ban on flavored tobacco. The government is looking at allowing individuals to bring up to 20 packs of flavored tobacco for personal use. This initiative follows the 2022 ban on alternative tobacco products' import, promotion, manufacturing, sale, and commercial possession. The phased approach, starting with public places, aims to address enforcement challenges, with the focus on defining clear regulations for easier implementation.

February 10, 2025 by straitstimes.com

Hong Kong plans to ban public use of e-cigarette cartridges by mid-2026 due to concerns about illegal imports and use for recreational drug purposes. Despite existing bans on e-cigarette products, vaping remains common. The ban, aimed at protecting young people, will begin in public spaces before expanding more widely. The government aims to reduce smoking rates and is cracking down on illicit substances like etomidate being used in vaping devices. Legislation will be proposed to ban non-menthol flavoured cigarettes. The World Health Organisation notes that around 35 countries have banned e-cigarette sales. Authorities are enforcing penalties for importing e-cigarettes in Hong Kong.

February 10, 2025 by indiatimes.com

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarette cartridges in public spaces by mid-2026 to protect youth and combat widespread vaping despite previous restrictions. The initiative, aiming for implementation by 2026, will be presented to legislators in April. Current penalties include up to seven years imprisonment for importers and HK$2 million fines. Officials aim to reduce smoking prevalence to 7.8% this year. The ban intends to deter recreational drug consumption via e-cigarettes and includes proposals to outlaw non-menthol flavored cigarettes.