Hong Kong is set to tighten its tobacco control laws with a new amendment bill introduced on April 25, 2025. Key proposals target travelers bringing cigarettes and expand public no-smoking areas.
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Hong Kong authorities have unveiled a new tobacco control bill proposing significant measures to curb smoking and vaping, aiming to strengthen public health protections.
Read moreHong Kong maintains one of the world’s most stringent regulatory environments for electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related devices, collectively termed Alternative Smoking Products (ASPs). Since April 30, 2022, a comprehensive ban has prohibited the import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and promotion of these products within the city. This decisive action reflects the Hong Kong government’s strong commitment to public health, aiming to curb the adoption of new smoking products, particularly among youth, and reduce overall smoking prevalence. Further restrictions are already planned, signaling an even tighter regulatory future. This guide provides an analysis of the current laws, penalties, rules for travelers, and upcoming changes impacting vapes and other ASPs in Hong Kong as of April 2025.
Read moreThinking of packing your vape for your next international trip? You might want to reconsider. While vaping might be commonplace in places like Luxembourg or parts of the US, the legal landscape globally is a complex patchwork. Many popular tourist destinations have implemented strict anti-vaping laws, ranging from hefty fines to, in some cases, actual prison sentences. Ignorance of these laws won’t protect you, and what’s perfectly legal at home could lead to serious trouble abroad.
Read moreNon-Menthol Flavors Targeted First in New Anti-Smoking Push
Hong Kong authorities plan to ban the sale of flavored smoking products starting next year, likely in 2026, beginning with non-menthol varieties. Sources indicate the government will submit an amendment bill to the legislature soon to implement these changes.
This measure is part of a phased approach to introduce ten previously announced tobacco control measures. The ban on flavors, such as fruit options, aims to reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly among young people. Additionally, the bill is expected to propose prohibiting smoking within three meters of entrances to specific locations, including schools and hospitals. These steps reflect Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its anti-smoking policies.
Hong Kong is set to enforce a ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes in public spaces as early as mid-2026. This move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect youth and further reduce smoking rates across the city.
Read moreAs of April 30, 2022, Hong Kong has enacted a sweeping ban on alternative smoking products (ASPs), prohibiting the import, promotion, manufacture, sale, and possession of these items for commercial purposes. The ban, introduced through the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, aims to curb the use of electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products, and herbal cigarettes in the city.
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