Hong Kong Customs Hosts Session on New Duty Stamp System for Tobacco Industry Stakeholders

Hong Kong Customs holds information session on Duty Stamp System to listen to industry opinions and deepen collaboration

Hong Kong Customs held an information session on the Duty Stamp System at the Customs Headquarters Building today (January 29), comprehensively introducing the latest developments and future arrangements of the system to the tobacco industry. About 180 industry representatives attended the information session, including representatives of tobacco manufacturers, importers and exporters, bonded warehouse operators, logistics, retailers, and the newspaper stalls industry.

During the session, Customs provided a detailed overview of the conclusion of the Pilot Run of the Duty Stamp System early this year, as well as an explanation of the overall framework and operational details of the system, covering the entire supply chain from the manufacturing premises to their sale at retail outlets. Customs will carefully study various suggestions put forward by industry representatives during the information session to continuously optimise the design and implementation details of the system.

Following this information session, Customs also met with representatives of the newspaper stalls industry to specifically introduce the Duty Stamp System. Customs emphasised that the existing sales model will not change due to the Duty Stamp System, and Customs has always encouraged the industry to purchase cigarettes from trustworthy suppliers. In response to the industry's concern regarding stamp authentication arrangements, Customs is conducting an in-depth assessment with technical consultants, researching options including distribution of dedicated authentication devices and enhancing auxiliary duty stamp recognition solutions to meet the practical needs of various retail environments. In addition to this meeting, Customs has previously held meetings with industry representatives through various channels, including the Dutiable Commodities Customer Liaison Group, tobacco affairs concern groups, and an association of the newspaper stalls industry. In the future, Customs will continue to actively communicate with the industry regarding the advancement of the Duty Stamp System and encourage industry participation to jointly promote the system and combat "cheap whites".

Customs reiterated that the successful implementation of the Duty Stamp System relies on the participation and support of all stakeholders. Customs will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and timely release the latest information to the tobacco retail industry through various channels, striving to build a collaborative platform with the industry. Hong Kong Customs will continue to organise more similar exchange activities and ongoing promotional efforts to foster a shared understanding before the system's implementation, ensuring its effective rollout.

Customs plans to implement the first phase of the Duty Stamp System in the fourth quarter this year, with full implementation in the second quarter of 2027, thus achieving the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".

Hong Kong Customs holds information session on Duty Stamp System to listen to industry opinions and deepen collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs holds information session on Duty Stamp System to listen to industry opinions and deepen collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs holds information session on Duty Stamp System to listen to industry opinions and deepen collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs holds information session on Duty Stamp System to listen to industry opinions and deepen collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients

The Department of Health (DH) today (January 29) is investigating a case of illegal sale of a slimming product containing undeclared controlled drug ingredients on the Internet. Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume the product concerned (see photo) to avoid health risks.

Acting upon intelligence, the DH purchased a slimming product for analysis via an instant messaging application. The product's paperboard packaging bore the English labels "KRN+PM" and "KOREAN PREMIUM". Inside were 30 sealed packaging bags, each containing seven pills and capsules. There was Korean wording displayed on the product's packaging that the product may have originated in Korea.

Laboratory test results revealed that a sample of the orange, round tablet debossed with "Y|H" contained hydrochlorothiazide; and a sample of the green/yellow capsule with "TG" and "FLM" printing contained fluoxetine. Both substances are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO).

The product is suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Hydrochlorothiazide is used for the treatment of hypertension and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolytes imbalance. Fluoxetine is used for treatment of depression and may cause hallucinations and insomnia. Medicines containing hydrochlorothiazide and fluoxetine should be used under a doctor's direction and be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.

The DH strongly urges members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. Purchasing controlled medicines (including slimming drugs) online poses health risks. Besides the lack of a doctor's assessment of an individual's health condition, it is difficult to ascertain the legitimate source of the drugs. It is also impossible to know whether the drugs were properly stored during transportation (especially for drugs requiring cold-chain storage). This leaves their safety, quality and efficacy unguaranteed.

The DH also reminded the public that selling medicines controlled under the PPO illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging apps or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.

According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons could only be sold at the registered premises of a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will follow up and carry out enforcement action. After seeking advice from the Department of Justice, prosecutions against relevant persons may be initiated. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

People who have purchased the products concerned should stop consuming them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for "Health message on overweight problem and slimming products" and "Slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients" for information.

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases