Towards a Smoke-free Hong Kong: Final Action Needed

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Feb.02.2024

Towards a Smoke-free Hong Kong: Final Action Needed

Hong Kong should take final action on tobacco by banning its use, according to the Smoking and Health Committee.

According to a report on Hong Kong Radio website on February 1st, the Hong Kong Smoking and Health Committee has stated that if the government is to achieve its target of a smoking rate of 7.8% by 2025, it should take ultimate action against tobacco. The definition of ultimate action is to cease the commercial use of tobacco and nicotine. This ultimate action has already been implemented in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, and Malaysia.

Henry Tong, chairman of the committee, stated, "Our committee's recommendation is that by 2030, the smoking rate in Hong Kong should be reduced to 5%. From then on, the government can take steps towards achieving a completely smoke-free Hong Kong.

In a radio program called "Hong Kong Today" on Hong Kong Radio, Tong expressed his intention to increase tobacco taxes in the upcoming budget. He stated that "currently, tobacco taxes in Hong Kong account for about 64% of the retail price, which is insufficient. The World Health Organization recommends that tobacco taxes should account for 75% of the retail price of tobacco products. Therefore, we propose that the Financial Secretary increase tobacco taxes to at least 75% of the retail price of cigarettes. This would help reduce the smoking rate in Hong Kong from approximately 9.5% to 8.8%.

Other measures proposed by Tong include expanding smoke-free areas to reduce secondhand smoke, banning flavors that appeal to women and young smokers, such as menthol, and increasing the warning labels on cigarette packaging from the current 85% to 100%. He also called for stricter enforcement by law enforcement agencies to combat cigarette smuggling.

References:

[1] HK Council on Smoking calls for tobacco end-game

Also Read:

[1] China Hong Kong Considers Increasing Tobacco Tax to Reduce Smoking

[2] "All Smoking Products are Harmful" Responds HK Health Dept. to 2FIRSTS

[3] 2023 Annual Profit: China Tobacco International (HK) Expects Significant Growth of More than 50%

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Asia #Hong Kong #Hong Kong, China #Smoke-free products

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

CNIPA Targets E-Cigarettes as Key Focus in Crackdown on Trademark Violations

National Intellectual Property Office issued a notice to strengthen management of illegal use of trademarks, promoting fair competition.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue

Following the National Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Tobacco Business Act on September 22, redefining tobacco to include synthetic nicotine, the Korea Institute of Local Finance (KILF) estimates that local governments could gain between $37 million and $340 million in additional tax revenue in 2025 from tobacco consumption and local education taxes.

Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Tasmania, Australia Will Introduce New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape and Tobacco Retailers

Tasmania will introduce new laws next year to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes. The legislation will strengthen penalties, allow inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines and shut down non-compliant retailers, and enhance coordination between police and health authorities.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.