Key Points:
- Hong Kong plans to ban the sale of non-mint flavored tobacco products starting in 2026.
- The authorities are expected to implement a number of anti-smoking measures, including banning smoking in certain areas.
- Starting in the second quarter of 2026, it will be prohibited to possess e-cigarettes and heated tobacco pods in public places. This ban may potentially expand to non-public areas in the future.
According to a report from the South China Morning Post on April 1st, Hong Kong, China plans to ban flavored tobacco products starting as early as 2026, with mint-flavored tobacco products not immediately included in the ban.
According to sources within the government, officials are set to submit a revised bill to the legislature by the end of the month containing these changes. Additionally, authorities have proposed banning smoking within three meters of certain locations, such as school and hospital entrances, with plans to gradually implement the 10 smoking control measures announced last June.
One preliminary suggestion is to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including fruit flavors but excluding mint options.
Sources indicate that the ban will come into effect after the "tax stamp" system is implemented to distinguish between legal and illegal cigarettes. Health Department Director Lo Chung-mau previously stated that the system will be piloted in mid-2025 and fully implemented in 2026, indicating that the ban on non-mint flavored tobacco products will begin in 2026 or 2027.
Hong Kong aims to reduce the smoking rate from 9.1% in 2023 to 7.8% through this measure.
Authorities will also propose banning the possession of alternative smoking products in public places starting from the second quarter of 2026, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco pods. According to the Smoking (Public Health) Regulations, "public places" refer to places where the public has the right to enter or are allowed to enter.
According to the results of the first phase, the ban may be expanded to non-public places in the future. Sources added that authorities do not rule out the possibility of a complete ban on these devices in the future.
Hong Kong has banned the import and sale of alternative smoking products in 2022. Sources mentioned that similar bans in Singapore and Thailand have not affected the tourism industry, as tourists from mainland China typically consume traditional cigarettes.
Other proposed amendments to the bill include a ban on smoking within three meters of entrances to specific places such as daycare centers, schools, and hospitals. Smoking would also be prohibited while queuing at certain locations like public transport stations, hospitals, sports venues, and community centers.
Joe Lo Kai-lut, the convener of the Long-term Tobacco Policy Focus Group, expressed concern that banning flavored tobacco products may cause more smokers to turn to illegal cigarettes, while prohibiting alternative smoking products in public places may encourage people to resort to regular cigarettes. He suggested that authorities should instead focus on improving smoking cessation services to help smokers quit.
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