Hong Kong Customs Launches Campaign Against Illicit Cigarettes in Tin Shui Wai

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tin Shui Wai

Hong Kong Customs conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) in Tin Tsz Estate, Tin Yiu Estate, and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai today (May 6). 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 to members of the District Council, residents, newspaper stall keepers and cigarette retailers the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and 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 (Cap. 109), 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, 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 leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Hong Kong Customs conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Tin Tsz Estate, Tin Yiu Estate, and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai today (May 6). Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows Customs officers and members of the District Council with promotional leaflets. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Tin Tsz Estate, Tin Yiu Estate, and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai today (May 6). Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows a Customs officer explaining anti-illicit cigarette messages to a resident. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Tin Tsz Estate, Tin Yiu Estate, and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai today (May 6). Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Coin Collection Programme

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

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (May 7) announced a new service schedule of the two Coin Carts under the Coin Collection Programme, for the period of June 1, 2026 up to August 16, 2026. The schedule and other details of the Programme are shown on the HKMA webpage (coincollection.hkma.gov.hk).

Since the launch of the Programme in October 2014 up to April 30, 2026, the two Coin Carts had carried out 1 489 000 transactions, collecting 1 129 million coins with a total face value of HK$1,828 million during the period. The collected coins are re-circulated to meet demand.

The Coin Carts provide service at locations that are convenient to the public without affecting the normal flow of traffic and pedestrians. Locations that have suitable power supply facilities, such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department mobile library service locations, are preferred so as to reduce the need for using the Coin Carts' own stand-by generators. This makes the Programme more environmentally friendly. In selecting the service locations, the HKMA has taken into consideration comments and suggestions given by District Councils and members of public, and has consulted the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Police Force as necessary.

The two Coin Carts collect coins from members of public in the 18 districts of Hong Kong on a rotating basis. Under normal circumstances each Coin Cart will stay at a location for a week, subject to availability of the parking space and the maintenance schedule of the Cart. Service hours are from 10am to 7pm Each vehicle is equipped with two coin counting machines and operational staff will be present to provide assistance. An electrical wheelchair lift is available for use. Users can choose to exchange coins for banknotes or adding value to their stored value facilities, such as Octopus Cards or e-wallets (including AlipayHK, Octopus Wallet, Tap&Go and WeChat Pay). There is also a Community Chest donation box inside each vehicle. The coin collection service is free of charge.

The HKMA will review the Programme from time to time, and will regularly update the service schedule to give advance notice to the public.

Source: AI-found images