Hong Kong will criminalize possession and public use of vaping devices by mid-2026 under expanded tobacco control laws announced by Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau. The phased ban begins in outdoor spaces to ease enforcement challenges, with eventual expansion to "all places."
"Protecting youth requires eliminating e-cigarette cartridges from daily life," Lo stated on February 9. "Legislation will first target outdoor possession and use, progressing to full implementation as public compliance grows."
The proposal enters legislative review in April 2026, alongside a ban on non-menthol flavored cigarettes. Officials aim to slash smoking rates from 9.1% (2023) to 7.8% by year-end.
2022 Sales Ban Fails to Curb Illicit Vape Trade
Despite prohibiting e-cigarette imports and sales in 2022—with penalties up to 7 years imprisonment and HK$2 million fines—illicit devices remain widespread. Authorities attribute this to cross-border smuggling and lax enforcement. Over 1.2 million illegal vapes were seized in 2023 alone.
Three-Pronged Strategy for a "Tobacco-Free Hong Kong"
1. Supply Reduction Through Ownership Criminalization
New laws will ban personal possession of vaping devices, closing a loophole in existing sales restrictions. A duty stamp system will differentiate taxed/untaxed cigarettes, with sellers of below-duty-priced products required to prove compliance. Maximum penalties for trafficking untaxed tobacco rise to HK$2 million fines and 7-year jail terms.
2. Demand Suppression via Flavor Bans and Plain Packaging
Menthol, fruit, and candy-flavored cigarettes will be prohibited, targeting their appeal to youth and women. Standardized plain packaging—removing branding—will further reduce product attractiveness. Studies link flavored options to higher addiction rates among new smokers.
3. Expanded Smoke-Free Zones and Cessation Support
No-smoking areas (NSAs) will now cover:
- 50-meter zones around childcare centers, schools, and hospitals
- Public transport queues
- Theme parks and entertainment venues
Fines for NSA violations double to HK$3,000. The government will also boost smoking cessation services through 150+ clinics, integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and primary care providers.
Global Context: Hong Kong Joins 35 Nations in Vape Sales Ban
As WHO reports 35 countries prohibiting e-cigarette sales, Hong Kong’s approach mirrors Singapore’s strict possession laws while contrasting Australia’s prescription-only model. However, few jurisdictions criminalize personal use as aggressively.
