Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Leads Hong Kong Delegation at Sydney's Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation

CJ attends Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Sydney, Australia

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, today (March 28) concluded his visit to Sydney, Australia, where he led a Hong Kong Judiciary delegation to attend the ninth Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation from March 26 to 27.

Members of the Hong Kong delegation included Mr Justice Godfrey Lam, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court; Mr Justice Russell Coleman, Madam Justice Linda Chan and Madam Justice Yvonne Cheng, Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. Madam Justice Mimmie Chan, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, also attended the Seminar virtually.

During the two-day seminar, Chief Justices and senior judges representing the nine participating jurisdictions exchanged views and shared experiences and best practices on various aspects of commercial litigation. They also took the opportunity to strengthen ties between the courts and to enhance judicial expertise in addressing the diverse challenges faced by many jurisdictions.

The Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation is jointly convened by the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Singapore and New South Wales, Australia, and is generally held every two years. The three jurisdictions take turns to host the Seminar. The previous Seminar was held in Hong Kong in 2024.

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, led a Hong Kong Judiciary delegation to attend the ninth Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Sydney, Australia, from March 26 to 27. Photo shows delegation members Mr Justice Godfrey Lam (second right), Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court; Mr Justice Russell Coleman (fourth right), Madam Justice Linda Chan (second left) and Madam Justice Yvonne Cheng (third left), Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attending the seminar. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, led a Hong Kong Judiciary delegation to attend the ninth Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Sydney, Australia, from March 26 to 27. Photo shows Chief Justice Cheung (left) attending the seminar. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, led a Hong Kong Judiciary delegation to attend the ninth Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Sydney, Australia, from March 26 to 27. Photo shows Chief Justice Cheung (second left) with delegates from the participating jurisdictions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, led a Hong Kong Judiciary delegation to attend the ninth Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Sydney, Australia, from March 26 to 27. Photo shows Chief Justice Cheung (front row, centre) with delegates from the participating jurisdictions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two individuals each sentenced to three months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A man and a woman were each sentenced today (March 28) at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts to three months' imprisonment for illegally importing a total of 95 200 alternative smoking products. 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 yesterday (March 27) that two individuals involved in the case had arrived in Hong Kong by air, and a total of 95 200 alternative smoking products were seized from their luggage. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted them.

Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 19 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty two 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 is liable 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 visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.

Source: AI-found images