Hong Kong is seeking to ban the possession of e-cigarettes and other alternative smoking products in public by the end of April next year, along with other proposed measures to curb smoking in the city. Authorities are proposing to raise the fixed fine for smoking violations from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000 ($195 to $390). The statutory no-smoking areas would also be expanded. These measures were published in the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 last week.
The bill, scheduled to be tabled at the Legislative Council April 30, covers eight smoking control measures that require legislative amendments.
The bill also suggests authorizing the Secretary for Health to expand no-smoking areas based on the conditions of different districts, as well as to establish exemptions. Hong Kong residents will be barred from smoking while queuing for public transport or outside places with high foot traffic, such as sports venues and health centers.
The sale of flavored traditional smoking products is banned under the proposed law, with the city’s authorities saying that tobacco companies have used flavorings to “disguise the toxicity” of the products and “entice young people to smoke.” The government plans to impose the ban in phases, with the first phase targeting products with specified additives, excluding menthol. A full implementation is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027. Violators face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,500) and six months behind bars.
In a move to crack down on illicit cigarettes, the government is proposing to require importers and local producers to ensure there is a label attached to every pack of taxed cigarettes sold. Selling or supplying any cigarettes that have no label on their packaging is prohibited.
The bill also includes a prohibition on providing smoking products to individuals under 18, which is set to take effect on January 1 next year. Those who provide traditional smoking products to minors will face a fine of HK$3,000 for small quantities, while the maximum fine for larger quantities will be HK$25,000 ($3,250). Penalties for supplying alternative smoking products to underage individuals are higher, with a fine of up to HK$50,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
