Hong Kong Customs Launches Anti-Illicit Cigarette Campaign with New Duty Stamp System Implementation Plan

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

Hong Kong Customs on February 10 and today (February 12) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with Legislative Council Member Ms Chik Kit-ling, members of the Eastern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Police and the Housing Department (HD) at Hing Wah (2) Estate, Yue Wan Estate, Wan Tsui Estate and Siu Sai Wan Estate in Eastern District. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.

Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the council members, residents, newspaper stall keepers and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. Customs will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. 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".

Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 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 Eastern District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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

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

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

HKMA 2026 Chinese New Year anti-fraud and electronic lai-see campaign

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

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (February 12) launched the 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign themed "Unite to Fight Scams", and introduced a new series of animated Year of the Horse stickers, "Horse Butler", as the Chinese New Year approaches, integrating anti-fraud messages into the everyday scenario of distributing electronic red packets (lai-see).

(1) Anti-Fraud Public Education Campaign 2026 (Annex)

The first campaign project utilises artificial intelligence technology to create a brand-new anti-fraud music video. Based on the concept of Kung Fu (martial arts) game, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen transforms into a game character, facing off against the original fraudster character "Lachachu" (despicable banana in Cantonese) in a battle between good and evil.

In the music video, the "Lachachu" utilises the myriads of changing identities to swindle members of the public out of their trust, personal information, and money. Through this "good versus evil" duel, the HKMA aims to rally public attention and collective efforts to combat scams.

The trailer has been released on the HKMA social media platforms, with the full version to be launched soon.

(2) "Horse Butler" Animated Stickers (Annex)

The new series features the HKMA’s original character, "Horse Butler", and includes 10 animated stickers covering themes such as festive greetings, daily transfers, financial innovation, and fraud prevention.

The HKMA encourages the public to distribute lai-see via the Faster Payment System or other e-wallets, and wishes to remind the public to protect their savings and guard against fraud when sending festive greetings to relatives and friends.

The sticker series has been uploaded to official platforms (Chinese version only); the public should download it only through official channels. WhatsApp users can visit: whatsticker.online/p/781320YRPwk4T/HK/zh, or search for " – 2026" in the WhatSticker app to download; WeChat users can download it from the "" WeChat official account.

(3) Beware of Chinese New Year Sticker Scams

Lately, there have been fraudsters distributing fraudulent Chinese New Year stickers or electronic lai-see with phishing QR codes or hyperlinks via instant messaging software, tricking users into receiving lai-see or greeting cards, and attempting to steal personal information or money. Members of the public should stay highly vigilant during the festive season.

The HKMA reiterates that it will not contact individualmembers of the public regarding personal financial matters, nor will it direct them to conduct transactions or provide any sensitive personal information via SMS or hyperlinks.

Source: AI-found images