Hong Kong Customs Launches Campaign Against Illicit Cigarettes in Kai Tak Housing Estates

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tak Long Estate

Hong Kong Customs today (May 20) 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 Tak Long Estate, Kai Tak, to publicise the Duty Stamp System. Members of Customs YES also participated in the activities.

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 years' 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 and 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 effectively distinguishing 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 (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 conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tak Long Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tak Long Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tak Long Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tak Long Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports HKUST Business School event in London

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) supported the "BizInsight Forum and Alumni Get-together" organised by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School at the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom (UK) on May 19 (London time).

In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong's unique role as an open and international hub connecting people, ideas and capital, underpinned by its common law system and business-friendly environment. She underscored Hong Kong's continued efforts to attract global talent and strengthen its education and innovation ecosystem, including the "Study in Hong Kong" initiative and the development of new research and collaboration clusters. She also congratulated HKUST on its advances in medical education and encouraged continued strengthening academic and professional exchanges between Hong Kong and the UK.

Marking the 35th anniversary of HKUST, the event opened with a forum on geo-economics and the evolving global economic landscape, followed by a reception that provided a valuable platform for alumni and distinguished guests to exchange ideas and explore future opportunities.

The forum also featured remarks by the Dean of the HKUST Business School, Professor Frederik Anseel, who shared insights on the transformative impact of AI on business models, talent development and consumer experience.

The event was attended by over 100 participants, including representatives from the business and academic sectors from Hong Kong and the UK.

London ETO supports HKUST Business School event in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports HKUST Business School event in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO supports HKUST Business School event in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases