The Hong Kong government is seeking to ban the possession of e-cigarettes and other alternative smoking products in public by the end of April next year, along with other proposed measures to curb smoking in the city.
Anyone who possesses small amounts of alternative smoking products in public may face a fixed fine of HK$3,000 starting on April 30, 2026, as announced by the government in the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 published on Friday.
The bill, scheduled to be tabled at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, covers eight smoking control measures that require legislative amendments.
Authorities are proposing to double the fixed fine for smoking violations from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000. Statutory no-smoking areas will be expanded to include public spaces within a three-metre radius of the entrances to schools, childcare centres, hospitals, residential care homes, and other specified premises.
The bill also suggests authorising the secretary for health to expand the no-smoking areas based on the conditions of different districts, as well as to establish exemptions.
Hong Kong residents will be barred from smoking while queuing for public transport or outside places with high foot traffic, such as sports venues and health centres.
The proposed policies relating to non-smoking areas and smoking violation fines will take effect on January 1, 2026, the government said.
The sale of flavoured traditional smoking products is banned under the proposed law, with the city’s authorities saying that tobacco companies have used flavourings to “disguise the toxicity” of the products and “entice young people to smoke.”
The government plans to impose the ban in phases, with the first phase targeting products with specified additives, excluding menthol. The first phase of the ban is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027.
Violators face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months behind bars.
In a move to crack down on illicit cigarettes, the government is proposing to require importers and local producers to ensure there is a label attached to every pack of taxed cigarettes sold. Selling or supplying any cigarettes that have no label on their packaging is prohibited.
A pilot programme is set to be launched in the third quarter this year, while the full implementation date will be announced later.
In the 2024 Budget, the government announced its plan to raise tobacco duty by 80 per cent to HK$3.306 per stick, bringing the price of one pack of 20 cigarettes to HK$96.
It was the second consecutive year for the authorities to raise the tobacco duty. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said in April last year that the move “helps prevent a rebound in smoking prevalence,” and “convey a clear message” that the government is committed and determined to safeguard public health.
The bill published on Friday also includes a prohibition on providing smoking products to individuals under 18, which is set to take effect on January 1 next year. Those who provide traditional smoking products to minors will face a fine of HK$3,000 for small quantities, while the maximum fine for larger quantities will be HK$25,000.
Penalties for supplying alternative smoking products to underage individuals are higher, with a fine of up to HK$50,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
