Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in North District
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 7) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department (HD) and the Hong Kong Police Force at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.
Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes, and reminded them that the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes has been increased 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 newspaper 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 of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".
Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise 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 yesterday (October 7) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Hong Kong Police Force at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows a Customs officer introducing Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the Duty Stamp System to a cigarette retailer. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 7) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Hong Kong Police Force at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows a Customs officer delivering anti-illicit cigarette messages to a resident. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 7) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Hong Kong Police Force at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows Customs officers delivering anti-illicit cigarette messages to residents. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
