Hong Kong: New measures to become "tobacco-free Hong Kong"

The Hong Kong government is expected to present a bill by the end of April 2025 containing "10 measures to reduce smoking," including plans to ban flavored tobacco products in 2026, with the initial exception of menthol products. Authorities will also propose extensions to bans on smoking and vaping in public, as well as strengthening measures to combat illicit trade.

Smoke-free spaces and ban on flavored tobacco products

The Health Bureau plans to submit to the Legislative Council by the end of April 2025 a draft amendment to the current legislation that would provide for tougher penalties for illegal tobacco sales and the expansion of smoke-free premises, with some measures coming into effect in the second half of this year. This draft will include proposals to ban smoking within three meters of the entrances and exits of places such as daycares, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.[1], as well as in queues at certain locations such as public transport stops, stadiums and civic centres.

Among other proposed measures, the government is considering banning the consumption of cartridges for e-cigarettes and refill sheets for heated tobacco, already banned from import, manufacture and sale since 2022, in public places from the second quarter of 2026. It is also planned to extend this ban to non-public places, depending on the results of the first phase.

The government is also planning a phased ban on the sale of flavored tobacco, starting with fruit flavors. This phase will be followed by a ban on menthol products, although the exact timeline for this step has not been set. The government, in its "tobacco-free Hong Kong" goal, is seeking to reduce smoking prevalence to 7.8% by 2025, down from 9.1% by 2023, although this is considered " difficult " by the authorities themselves[2].

Marking system and fight against the illicit market

The ban on flavored products will come into effect following the launch of a cigarette pack marking system to distinguish legal from illegal cigarettes. This system will be rolled out on a pilot basis mid-year, with a full rollout planned for the following year. The marking aims to combat illicit cigarettes and prevent the illegal importation of flavored cigarettes.

The maximum fine for the sale and possession of illegal tobacco could also increase from HK$1 million (approximately €119,000) to HK$2 million (approximately €238,000), while prison terms for offenders could be increased from two to seven years.[3].

In addition, the government is considering imposing new penalties on travellers who bring more than 19 packs of duty-free cigarettes into the country for their own use.[4]The fine would increase from HK$2,000 (approximately €238) to HK$5,000 (approximately €595). Those caught violating this rule would also be subject to penalties equal to five times the amount of unpaid tobacco tax.

These restrictions set Hong Kong apart from the rest of China, where smoking remains widespread and public policies are restricted and often poorly enforced. The weight of the world's largest cigarette manufacturer, the China National Tobacco Corporation, may largely explain this situation. However, these measures do not raise fears of serious negative repercussions for Hong Kong tourism. Indeed, the bans on smoking heated tobacco products and vaping implemented by Singapore and Thailand have not harmed tourism, and the rest of China mainly consumes conventional tobacco.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1]Cheung Elizabeth, Hong Kong aims to ban flavored smoking items next year, starting with non-menthol, South China Morning Post, published April 1, 2025, accessed April 2, 2025

[2]Tobacco-free generation, Hong Kong toughens anti-smoking policy, bans heated tobacco and vaping products, published June 11, 2024, accessed April 2, 2025

[3]Sunday Daily Hong Kong, Hong Kong government to implement ban on electronic cigarettes next year and strengthen tobacco control measures, published April 2, 2025, accessed April 2, 2025

[4]Tse Hans, Hong Kong aims to ban e-cigarette smoking in public from 2026, fruit shisha ban within 2 years – reports, Hong Kong Free Press, published April 3, 2025, accessed April 3, 2025

National Committee Against Smoking |