TACO Investigates Animation for Containing Unlawful Tobacco Advertising, Safeguarding a Healthy Future for Young People

DH takes action against unlawful tobacco advertising to safeguard a healthy, smoke free future for young people

In response to an online animation suspected of contravening the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance), the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 18) stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles, with clearly recognisable brand names and logos. Such depictions constitute tobacco advertising as defined under the Ordinance and are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of sections 13B and 14.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image

TACO received a public complaint regarding an animation containing tobacco advertisements posted on two online platforms. The animation repeatedly and clearly displayed tobacco products and a tobacco product brand name. Following investigation, TACO issued notices to the relevant platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising. TACO will continue to follow up on the case.

The animation implicated in the case, Photo source: online image

According to section 13B of the Ordinance, no person shall place or cause to be placed a smoking product advertisement on the Internet; Section 14(1) of the Ordinance stipulates that an advertisement is a smoking product advertisement if it: (a) contains any express or implied inducement, suggestion or request to purchase or smoke any smoking product; (b) relates to smoking in terms which are calculated, expressly or impliedly, to promote or encourage the use of any smoking product; or (c) illustrates or mentions smoking or any smoking products or their packages or qualities; Section 14(2) of the Ordinance clearly states that where an advertisement includes any trade mark or brand name of a smoking product, or any pictorial device or part thereof commonly associated therewith, then the advertisement shall be deemed to be a smoking product advertisement. According to the Ordinance, advertisement means any announcement to the public made or to be made in any manner.

Any person convicted of an offence under the relevant provisions is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$50,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to an additional fine of HK$1,500 for each day during which the offence continues.

From 2022 to 2025, TACO received approximately 1,100 to 4, 600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. During the same period, TACO issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations.

Prohibiting tobacco advertising and promotion is a key tobacco control measure in Hong Kong. TACO enforces the law strictly in accordance with statutory requirements and evidence, preventing any attempt to subtly promote tobacco products through animations or other means. This helps eliminate the harm posed by tobacco products and protects public health.

TACO again urges smokers to quit as early as possible, not only for their own health but also for the well being of their families and others. The DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183, operated by registered nurses, provides professional counselling services to support smoking cessation.

The animation implicated in the case, Photo source: online image

Joint operation by Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of Chinese Mainland detect seaborne illicit cigarette smuggling case with seizure worth about $22 million

Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of the Chinese Mainland mounted a joint anti-smuggling operation yesterday (September 8) and detected a suspected smuggling case involving a high-powered speedboat in the northwest waters of Hong Kong. About 5 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $22 million and a duty potential of about $16.5 million, and a high-powered speedboat equipped with six outboard engines, were seized.

Based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs co-operated with the law enforcement agencies of the Chinese Mainland, including the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department and anti-smuggling departments of the Mainland Customs to conduct an anti-smuggling operation in the aforementioned waters yesterday. During the operation, in the waters off northwest of Chep Lap Kok, a suspicious speed boat was spotted heading towards Sha Chau with its navigation light off. Customs officers immediately took action to pursue and intercept the speedboat, but the speedboat accelerated and fled.

Later, Customs boardedthe speedboat and stopped the vessel for investigation. The speedboat was discovered to be equipped with six powerful outboard engines, and the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes was seized onboard the vessel. Two mainland men, aged 30 and 36, suspected of violating the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), were arrested.

Under the DCO, anyone involved in importing, dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit or cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and two years' imprisonment for motor spirit, or $2 million and seven years' imprisonment for cigarette.

Members of the public may report any illicit fuel or cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Joint operation by Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of Chinese Mainland detect seaborne illicit cigarette smuggling case with seizure worth about $22 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint operation by Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of Chinese Mainland detect seaborne illicit cigarette smuggling case with seizure worth about $22 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases