Cross-agency Talks on Combating Tobacco Smuggling in Shenzhen

Feb.20.2023
Cross-agency Talks on Combating Tobacco Smuggling in Shenzhen
Shenzhen tobacco authority discussed anti-smuggling measures with the local authorities, focusing on the surge of "water smuggling" activities.

Recently, the Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau held a discussion with the visiting Shenzhen Anti-smuggling and Maritime Office to discuss the progress of the city-wide crackdown on "water-based smugglers." Representatives from the Shenzhen Monopoly Bureau and the Futian and Luohu district tobacco monopoly bureaus participated in the discussion.


During the meeting, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau reported on the overall situation of tobacco counterfeiting and smuggling in the city over the past few years, highlighted new trends and characteristics of illegal activities related to smuggled tobacco, and proposed strategies to address potential smuggled tobacco issues at the fully reopened border checkpoint between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The relevant manager of the Shenzhen Municipal Maritime Anti-smuggling Bureau stated that there may be a resurgence of smuggling activities by "water passengers" after the reopening of the checkpoint and called for active communication and coordination between the two sides to strengthen the crackdown on illegal smuggling. The Futian and Luohu District Bureaus exchanged information on tobacco smuggling cases in their respective jurisdictions.


Both parties have reached three agreements regarding the comprehensive crackdown on illegal smuggling of "water passengers" in the city: first, to deepen cooperation comprehensively, following the principles of "combining prevention with crackdown, comprehensive governance, highlighting key areas, and inter-departmental cooperation," with a focus on the port area, fully integrating law enforcement resources and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement; second, to highlight intelligence investigation, making full use of the relevant information databases of "water passengers," targeting key groups, proactively investigating intelligence clues, and strengthening information exchange and sharing; third, to do well in public education, widely promote the rule of law against smuggling, unblock channels for reporting and complaints, continuously enhance public awareness of opposing smuggling, and create a good atmosphere of joint governance by all people.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing a high street reform agenda that could give local authorities greater powers over commercial activity, including vape retail. The reforms could involve expanded planning powers and a potential vape retail licensing system, allowing councils to play a larger role in store locations and market access. The measures are part of the UK’s broader shift toward tighter vape regulation, although no nationwide vape retail restrictions have yet been implemented.
Aug.11
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23
Science | International Experts Propose a New Smoking Cessation Pathway, Citing Higher Quit Rates With E-Cigarettes Than Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Science | International Experts Propose a New Smoking Cessation Pathway, Citing Higher Quit Rates With E-Cigarettes Than Nicotine Replacement Therapy
A new expert paper in JAMA urges U.S. clinicians to include nicotine e-cigarettes in smoking-cessation discussions, citing higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy. It also stresses that products must deliver enough nicotine to replace cigarettes, dual use should be brief, and complete switching is the goal. 2Firsts argues the recommendations matter beyond clinics: public-health professionals should reassess relative risk, regulators should preserve sufficient product appeal for adult smokers, and manufacturers should focus on helping users quit cigarettes more sustainably.
SCIENCE
Aug.03 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
KT&G has introduced nicotine pouch brand LOOP in South Africa, expanding its modern oral nicotine portfolio. Developed by Swedish company Another Snus Factory (ASF), LOOP is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch brand. KT&G and U.S. tobacco company Altria previously participated in ASF’s strategic development, and the South Africa launch represents a further step in LOOP’s international expansion.
Aug.06
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22
Smoore Wins Three Heated Device Supply Lots in China Tobacco Jiangsu’s Overseas Market Project Covering Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia
Smoore Wins Three Heated Device Supply Lots in China Tobacco Jiangsu’s Overseas Market Project Covering Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia
China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd. (JSIC) has completed its 2026-2028 heated device procurement project, with Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited securing final supply contracts for three lots: U1, C1 and C2. The project was launched through a public tender in June 2026 to support overseas markets and involved heated tobacco devices carrying JSIC’s “iRod” trademark. Candidate supplier results published on July 13 showed Smoore ranked first for the three awarded lots, while Shenzhen Yunxi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Bodi Technology Development Co., Ltd. participated in the bidding process.
Aug.03