Hong Kong tightens tobacco and nicotine product laws

The Hong Kong Legislative Council adopted the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 by 74 votes to 1 with seven abstentions.[1]This text provides for example for the prohibition of the sale of tobacco to minors, the extension of smoke-free places, neutral packaging, as well as the progressive prohibition of the sale of flavored tobacco products, starting with flavors other than menthol, from the second quarter of 2027.Menthol is planned for a second phase. Possession of electronic cigarettes in public will also be prohibited. The reform is part of the authorities' desire to strengthen the fight against tobacco and prevent any form of consumption of new nicotine products, while the smoking rate among those aged 15 and over still stood at 9.1%. in 2023, or around 580,000 daily smokers. The government has set a target of reducing this rate to 7.8 % by 2024.

New prohibitions and sanctions

The bill covers eight of the ten measures to combat smoking and new nicotine products, measures proposed by the government last June.

The bill amends several ordinances, including the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, to introduce eight new measures[2] :

The first measure consists of a system of compulsory tax stamps affixed to cigarette packets in order to combat illicit markets;

The second measure, associated with the previous one, concerns the strengthening of sanctions in the event of illicit trade with a penalty of a maximum fine of 2 million HKD (219,000 €) and 7 years in prison, the possibility of freezing related assets, and a fine for failure to declare increased to 5,000 HKD (548 €);

The third measure concerns the prohibition of possessing for personal use a set of new tobacco and nicotine products classified as "alternative tobacco products" (ASPs), such as e-cigarettes and their e-liquids, tobacco sticks or herbal cigarettes, in public places, with a fixed fine of 3,000 HKD (329 €) in the event of an offense. Since April 30, 2022, it is already prohibited to import, promote, manufacture, sell or possess for commercial purposes ASPs;

The fourth measure is the adoption of plain packaging, with the removal of logos, colors and promotional visuals on tobacco packs. Only the brand name and the product name in standard format will be authorized for consumer information purposes;

The fifth measure is the ban on smoking in queues for public transport and in certain places frequented by the public, such as hospitals, swimming pools or stadiums;

The sixth measure is the expansion of smoke-free areas, with a ban on smoking within three meters of the entrances and exits of nurseries, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., with a fine of HKD 3,000 for violations;

The seventh measure is a ban on selling or offering traditional tobacco products to those under 18, with a fine of 3,000 HKD for small quantities and up to 25,000 (€2,740) for larger quantities. This goes up to 50,000 HKD (€5,481) and six months in prison for supplying alternative tobacco products;

Finally, the eighth measure is the gradual ban on flavored tobacco products, initially excluding menthol. Suppliers will be required to obtain a certificate of conformity. Violations of the current law carry fines of up to HK$50,000 and six months in prison.

Two other non-legislative measures are underway: strengthening smoking cessation services and awareness raising, while an evaluation is looking at the effectiveness of tax increases.

Health Minister Lo Chung-mau said the measures were aimed at protecting public health and reducing long-term smoking.[3]He stressed that the strengthening of controls should no longer be postponed: " I've been a frontline doctor and have witnessed too many preventable tragedies. Tobacco has caused great harm to smokers and their families, and many smokers have later regretted not quitting. " he said.

Measures debated but generally supported

While a large majority of parliamentarians supported the law, some lawmakers expressed reservations. Representatives of the Liberal Party, including its chairman Peter Shiu and vice-chairman Lee Chun-keung, warned that a complete ban on flavored cigarettes could fuel the illegal tobacco market and encourage some to smoke more. However, their amendments, aimed at relaxing or removing the ban, were rejected.

Lo Chung-mau defended the measure, pointing out that nearly 70% of young new smokers were using flavored cigarettes and that a relaxation would send " an extremely negative message " to society. MP Doreen Kong, the only one to vote against the bill, judged that the general ban on flavors was not suitable for a city that she describes as " free and commercial ".

During the bill's second reading, most lawmakers expressed support, with Adrian Ho saying he did not think the measures would harm tourism: Singapore and South Korea have implemented stricter tobacco control measures than Hong Kong, but this hasn't affected their tourism. On the contrary, these measures give the impression that our city is clean, that the air is pure, which offers a better experience for tourists. " he expressed.

Chu Kwok-keung, who represents the Education Department, stressed his concern for the health of young people: " In recent years, new fruit-flavored smoking products have been steadily emerging. E-cigarettes with varying flavors and packaging are deliberately designed to mislead young people into believing these products are not addictive. ".

Hong Kong would thus become one of six countries, along with Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Turkey and Brazil, to prohibit the sale and possession of flavored tobacco products, heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1]Hans Tse, Hong Kong passes sweeping tobacco control bill, eyes eventual ban on sale of flavored cigarettes, Hong Kong Free Press, published September 12, 2025, accessed the same day

[2]Info.gov.hk, Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted today, published April 25, 2025, accessed September 12, 2025

[3]RTHK, Lawmakers Approve Tighter Curbs on Smoking, published September 11, 2025, accessed September 12, 2025

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