Concerns Raised Over E-cigarette Re-export in Hong Kong

May.29.2023
Concerns Raised Over E-cigarette Re-export in Hong Kong
Hong Kong officials express concern over e-cigarette reexports, warning it could impede anti-smoking efforts.

On May 29th, according to media outlet The Standard, former Director of Food and Health in Hong Kong, Ko Wing-man, as well as the Director of Health in Hong Kong, Constance Chan Hon-yee, expressed their concerns about the import of e-cigarettes through Hong Kong. They warned that this may hinder efforts to control smoking in the region.


Chen Zhaoshi stated that the area could benefit from higher tobacco taxes and more smoke-free zones.


Due to smoking control policies, the smoking rate in Hong Kong has significantly dropped from 23% in the 1980s to 9.5%. However, according to Lo Chung-mau, the region's taxation on a pack of cigarettes is still below the World Health Organization's recommended 75% price ratio, indicating there is room for further increase.


In February 2023, the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in Hong Kong will increase by 30%, requiring smokers to pay an additional HK$12. The government aims to prevent smoking among citizens by controlling tobacco supply and reducing tobacco sales promotions. A public consultation will be launched next month to address tobacco-related issues.


From April 2022, Hong Kong will ban the importation, manufacturing, sale and possession of e-cigarettes. However, to support the logistics sector, e-cigarettes being transported by air freight will be exempted. Chen said that this move may undermine efforts to prohibit these products.


According to government statistics, about 70% of smokers in Hong Kong have never attempted to quit smoking, and roughly one-third of primary school students are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.


References:


The re-export rule for e-cigarettes has weakened the ban, according to Chan.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Russia Bans Smoking on Residential Balconies with Maximum Fine of $19
Russia Bans Smoking on Residential Balconies with Maximum Fine of $19
The Russian Federation has explicitly included shared balconies in residential buildings in the smoking ban. Offenders will face fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles ($6 to $19). The vice chairman of the State Duma Committee on Housing and Utilities emphasized that these balconies are public spaces, and residents who smoke there will be punished according to the law.
May.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
E-cigarette Ban in UK Prompts Concerns Over Illegal Market Influx
E-cigarette Ban in UK Prompts Concerns Over Illegal Market Influx
Over 600,000 UK e-cigarette users unaware of upcoming ban on disposable products, experts warn of influx of illegal alternatives.
May.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Korea Tobacco Reports Q1 2025 Results: Net Profit Down 9.7% YoY to $180M, Heated Tobacco “lil Hybrid” Domestic Revenue Up 6.5%
Korea Tobacco Reports Q1 2025 Results: Net Profit Down 9.7% YoY to $180M, Heated Tobacco “lil Hybrid” Domestic Revenue Up 6.5%
KT&G reported consolidated revenue of 1.5 trillion won ($1.07 billion) in Q1 2025, up 15.4% year-on-year; net profit was 257.9 billion won ($180 million), down 9.7% year-on-year. Revenue from its heated tobacco product “lil Hybrid” in the South Korean market increased by 6.5% year-on-year.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI Plans to Produce Ploom X in the US
JTI Plans to Produce Ploom X in the US
JTI plans to produce Ploom X in the US due to Trump's tariff policies and supply chain trends, aiming for FDA approval.
May.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Eco-Friendly Vape Brand No Saint Launches in 500 UK Stores with Sustainable Products and Age Verification
Eco-Friendly Vape Brand No Saint Launches in 500 UK Stores with Sustainable Products and Age Verification
The eco-friendly vape brand No Saint has launched in the UK, entering 500 retail stores. The products emphasize material safety and age restrictions, with flavors designed for a more mature palate. The founder has raised $50 million for the brand.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Report: Heated Tobacco Sales Soar 2,500-Fold Globally Over a Decade, Prompting Urgent Call for Stricter Regulations
South Korea Report: Heated Tobacco Sales Soar 2,500-Fold Globally Over a Decade, Prompting Urgent Call for Stricter Regulations
The Korea Health Promotion Institute has called for stronger regulation of e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products, emphasizing the need to protect minors from the influence of tobacco advertising.
May.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai