Hong Kong tighten on tobacco regulation – Blikk
- Hong Kong introduces new tobacco regulation
- Owning and use of alternative tobacco products in public places will be prohibited from the end of April
- 2027 from Q2 is banned from selling traditional tobacco products with non -menthol flavored
- The new regulation does not affect tourists
On Friday, the Hong Kong government announced the ten short -term modifications aimed at reducing the smoking rate. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council for the first reading on Wednesday – writes Portfolio.
According to the new regulation, from 30 April 2025 will be forbidden alternative tobacco possession and use in public places. It is planned to be banned from the second quarter of 2027 for non -menthol flavored traditional tobacco products.
The package is also part of the introduction of a sealing system that will serve to identify customs cigarettes and importers and are expected to come into force in the second quarter of 2027. In addition, the government would tighten penalties for non -customized cigarettes, which would take effect immediately after the amendment was adopted.
In a statement on Saturday, Eddie Lee Lik-Kong, Deputy Secretary of State, emphasized that the authorities had already taken into account the needs of tourists during the planning phase and that the economic impact of new measures is expected to be minimal.
Although some critics say restrictions on alternative and flavored tobacco products may damage the local economy due to a decline in tourism, Lee emphasized, « That the new regulation does not affect tourists. »
Smokers, Attention! Unprecedented tightening is introduced in Milan
According to Friday’s official announcement, Although the sale of conventional tobacco products with non -mental flavors is banned, their consumption remains legal. Both tourists and local residents can continue to bring small amounts of such products to Hong Kong for personal use.
The deputy secretary of state also responded to the concern that the ban on flavored tobacco products would steer consumers towards black market alternatives. According to him, the authorities want to eliminate illegal cigarette trade before the introduction of such measures.
