DH conducts operation to crack down on illegal online sales of alternative smoking products
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (July 21) that it conducted an enforcement operation codenamed "Thunderstone" yesterday (July 20), to crack down on the illegal online sales of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was stopped for investigation and 800 suspected ASPs were seized.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image
Through routine online and offline inspections, TACO officers discovered illegal online sales of ASPs and conducted an operation yesterday. A 20-year-old man was stopped for investigation on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 800 suspected ASPs were seized. TACO is following up on the case and charges will be laid against the suspect when sufficient evidence is found.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, 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 is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30,2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, also carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law. The public is also reminded that purchasing ASPs online may involve their importation and may constitute a breach of the law.
The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs 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 visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health announced today (July 21) that it conducted an enforcement operation codenamed "Thunderstone" yesterday (July 20), to crack down on the illegal online sales of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was stopped for investigation and 800 suspected ASPs were seized. Photo shows the suspected ASPs seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH and NMPA co-organise seminar on "GBA Medical Device Regulations and Registration Process Training" in Hong Kong again
The Department of Health (DH), in collaboration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Medical Device Evaluation and Inspection (GBA Center) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), today (September 15) co-organised the "GBA Medical Device Regulations and Registration Process Training" seminar in Hong Kong. The seminar aims to assist the local trade in tapping into the Chinese Mainland market and to further deepen exchanges and co-operation between the two places in medical device regulation and industry development.
This was the second seminar of its kind co-organised by the DH and the GBA Center since last May. The Deputy Director of the GBA Center, Mr Xu Liang, and a number of reviewers travelled to Hong Kong to serve as speakers, sharing updates on the GBA Center's latest work and giving an in-depth briefing on the regulatory framework, registration procedures, key market-entry requirements and major review considerations for medical devices in the Chinese Mainland. The seminar helped the trade to gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and market access requirements in the Chinese Mainland.
The seminar attracted approximately 300 representatives from the local medical device trade, including manufacturers, traders, research and development (R&D) professionals, and regulatory affairs consultants. The participants noted that the training content was substantive and tailored to the industry's practical needs, helping them gain a thorough understanding of the current regulatory regime and the details of the submission arrangements in the Chinese Mainland.
The DH expresses its gratitude to the NMPA for its support. As the Mainland China is an important global market and R&D hub for medical devices, the DH will continue to organise similar activities to deepen professional exchanges and collaboration. Leveraging Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", the DH is committed to promoting healthcare innovation and high-quality development of the industry.
At the same time, in line with the nation's strategic initiatives to accelerate the development of "Healthy China" and prioritise health in development, the DH will work toward building "Healthy Hong Kong". Promoting innovation in cross-boundary medical co-operation will not only help Hong Kong integrate into the "Healthy GBA", but will also allow Hong Kong's internationally recognised healthcare system to contribute to elevating national medical standards to the global stage, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's unique advantages and value in integrating into and serving the nation's overall development.
DH and NMPA co-organise seminar on "GBA Medical Device Regulations and Registration Process Training" in Hong Kong again Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH and NMPA co-organise seminar on "GBA Medical Device Regulations and Registration Process Training" in Hong Kong again Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH and NMPA co-organise seminar on "GBA Medical Device Regulations and Registration Process Training" in Hong Kong again Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
