A man was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment today (January 20) for illegally importing 40,000 alternative smoking products into Hong Kong. The Department of Health said the products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco items, were intercepted in his luggage on arrival from Guangzhou, and the sentence serves as a strong deterrent.
Since tougher tobacco control amendments took effect in September 2025, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office has prosecuted 15 similar cases, with 17 offenders jailed for up to six months. Authorities reiterated that importing, selling, or possessing alternative smoking products for commercial purposes is illegal and punishable with fines up to HK$2 million ($260,000) and seven years imprisonment.