Hong Kong Customs seize HK$10 million worth of products since ban on e-cigarettes

Hong Kong Customs have seized HK$10 million worth of products since the ban on alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, took effect close to a month ago.

Divisional Commander of the Air Cargo Research Division Lie Yan-ning said on Tuesday that customs had dealt with 46 related cases since the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 was implemented on April 30.

Customs e-cigarette — Alternative smoking products seized by the Hong Kong Customs. Photo: GovHK.

Around 360,000 products with an estimated market value of HK$10 million have been seized since the end of last month, and the customs arrested a man who was believed to be a driver.

Yan also said that since the implementation of the ban, “the majority” of incoming travellers who had alternative smoking products had voluntarily declared them at customs.

“Customs has not seen any obvious intent to smuggle, as the amount of product carried by these incoming travellers is small, are for self-consumption, and the packages were opened,” Yan said.

The ordinance, passed in the Legislative Council last October, banned the import, promotion, manufacture, sale, and possession for commercial purposes of products including heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, and other related devices and accessories.

Offenders risk a maximum penalty of a HK$50,000 fine and six months in prison.

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