Hong Kong Customs Launches Campaign Against Illicit Cigarettes Following Legislation Amendments

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Kwun Tong District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Community Care Teamat On Tat Estate in Kwun Tong today (September 26).

Customs officers distributed promotional items to residents at the estate and introduced to them the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation as well as Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes.

The Government gazetted the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on September 19 to make amendments to the existing legislation for the implementation of a new phase of tobacco control measures. The enhanced penalties and enforcement measures for duty-not-paid tobacco offences have come into effect on the same day:

Increase the penalty for offences of failing to declare dutiable goods, including tobacco and alcoholic liquor, to Customs Officers compoundable under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) from $2,000 to $5,000;

Raise the maximum penalty for engaging in illicit cigarettes activities from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment;and

List the relevant offences under Schedule 1 to the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to enhance the investigation and enforcement powers of Customs for combating illicit cigarette activities, including applying to the court to confiscate crime proceeds and to enhance sentencing.

Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.

Under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Scam alert related to banks

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on theHKMA website.

Bank

Type of scam

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing email

Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

Chong Hing Bank Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Source: AI-found images