The new phase of tobacco control measures took effect on January 1st. From New Year's Day to 5 pm on January 6th, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health has conducted 885 inspections, including the areas covered by the new measures, and issued 89 fixed penalty notices for illegal smoking, among which was one fixed penalty notice issued in the newly expanded statutory no-smoking areas and the newly expanded no-smoking areas while queuing.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office stated on its social media that the first new measure is the expansion of no-smoking areas. In addition to the existing no-smoking areas, smoking will be prohibited within 3 meters outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres. Secondly, smoking will be prohibited while queuing(including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, or while queuing within specified premises). Thirdly, the increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences will be from $1,500 to $3,000.
Photo source: FB of the Centre for Health Protection
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office reminds the public that anyone smoking in statutory no-smoking areas will be immediately issued a fixed penalty notice by the tobacco and alcohol control inspectors without advance warning. To ensure the smooth implementation of the new regulations, the tobacco and alcohol control inspectors conducted publicity and inspections near schools on January 5th, reminding residents to abide by the new regulations and work together to create a smoke-free environment for children to grow up in.
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,200, andthree months' imprisonment, respectively by the courts today (January 8) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted a 41-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on August 31, 2025, and seized 10 880 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $44,000 and a duty potential of about $35,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,200 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 39-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on January 6. About 8 080 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $36,000 and a duty potential of about $27,000 were seized from the inner pockets of his jacket and his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today.
Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys 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).
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
