The entry of these items is prohibited for both travelers and goods
A new law in Hong Kong, which regulates the possession of electronic cigarettes and includes prison sentences, came into force this Wednesday.
The territory’s Government aims to shut down the market for electronic smoking devices, heated tobacco and tobacco-free cigarettes, putting the semi-autonomous region at the forefront of global restrictions against ‘vapes’.
The new standards target alternative tobacco products, prohibiting their import, manufacture, sale, promotion and, in an unprecedented way, possession and consumption in public spaces.
The entry of these items is prohibited by both travelers and goods, with technical exceptions in airport transit.
Import offenses can result in fines of up to two million Hong Kong dollars (213,000 euros) and sentences of up to seven years in prison.
Production, distribution or possession for commercial purposes is penalized with up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars (5,300 euros) and six months in prison.
In addition, restrictions on advertising, promotion and free delivery, especially to minors, are tightened.
Carrying small quantities — up to five capsules or milliliters of liquid, or less than 100 units of heated tobacco or tobacco-free cigarettes — will incur a fixed fine of 3,000 Hong Kong dollars (320 euros).
Exceeding these limits will result in legal proceedings, with possible penalties of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars (5,320 euros) and six months in prison.
The consumption or possession of activated devices in any public space is also prohibited.
Nicotine products are further classified as category 1 poisons, which adds additional criminal liability.
However, as a local supplier told EFE news agency, “demand will continue to exist and the market will find ways to adapt, even in a much more restrictive environment.”
Authorities emphasize that the ban also applies to tourists and warn of border controls, in a context of growing international pressure against these devices due to their impact on health, especially among younger people.
The legal framework for ‘vapes’ in Asia presents strong asymmetries – mainland China allows the sale and consumption of electronic cigarettes with some restrictions.
In Macau, the sale has been prohibited since 2018, including advertising and promotion of electronic cigarettes, and in 2022, the semi-autonomous Chinese city also banned the manufacture, distribution, import, export and transportation of these devices, having already presented a proposed law this year that also provides for a ban on the possession and consumption of electronic cigarettes.
Countries such as Thailand, Singapore and India, for example, impose penalties of up to ten years in prison for possession.
