CE to attend opening meeting of NPC annual session in Beijing
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Beijing tomorrow (March 3) to attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 5.
The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Photo source: FB image
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 5. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: FB image
Man sentenced to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (March 2) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products, including 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on February 28 that 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 16 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Eighteen persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to six months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, and or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
