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

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.

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