Hongkong Post to issue cachet to commemorate participation in "Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition"
Hongkong Post announced today (June 22) that a cachet will be issued to commemorate Hongkong Post's participation in the "Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition" to be held at Cotai Expo Hall A, The Venetian Macao, from June 26 to July 1. This exhibition is co-organised by Macao Post and Telecommunications and the Macau Philatelic Association, under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie and the auspices of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately. Hongkong Post will exhibit and sell stamps on various themes to promote Hong Kong's culture, arts and natural landscapes, showcase Hong Kong's economic achievements, development opportunities and its active integration into and service of the national development, and tell good stories of Hong Kong.
The cachet will be available for stamping by members of the public and participants in the exhibition throughout the exhibition period at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office, Tuen Mun Central Post Office, the Postal Gallery at the Hongkong Post Building in Kowloon Bay and the exhibition venue in Macao. The image of the cachet is in the Appendix.
Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Woman sentenced to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A woman was sentenced today (June 22) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing 18 000 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 on June 19 that 18 000 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid woman 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 26 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-nine persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight 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, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
Source: AI-found images
