Hong Kong Ban on Vaping Products to Begin Today
Credit: Timothy S. Donahue
Hong Kong’s ban on the importation and sale of alternative smoking products, including vaping and heat-not-burn products, will take effect on April 30.
In a statement, the government said that, under the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, people will not be allowed to use or carry an activated vaping device in no-smoking areas. Offenders will be fined HK1,500 ($191).
The ban covers electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, and their accessories, the government said, reports The Standard.
The ordinance prohibits the importation of any novel tobacco product by way of parcels, cargoes or bringing in by incoming travelers. People bringing such products into the city must declare them to customs.
Starting Saturday, inspectors from the Department of Health’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office will conduct inspections, investigate complaints and carry out enforcement actions, the government said.
The ordinance also prohibits the promotion, manufacture, and possession for commercial purposes of novel tobacco products. Those convicted of violating the law will be fined HK50,000 and imprisoned for six months.