Hong Kong Customs boosts anti-illicit-cigarette drive in North District
Hong Kong Customs conducted a cross-departmental anti-illicit-cigarette campaign in North District, raising awareness of increased penalties and the upcoming duty-paid label scheme. The initiative included resident education, security guard guidance, and reminders about reporting channels.
Hong Kong Customs conducted a cross-departmental anti-illicit-cigarette publicity campaign in the North District on Thursday, aiming to raise public awareness and combat the sale and possession of illicit cigarettes.
During the campaign, Customs officers carried out patrols within public housing estates, informing residents about their enforcement efforts and reminding them that the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-unpaid tobacco has been increased to a fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Officers also briefed estate security guards on how to respond upon detecting suspected illicit cigarette activities.
In addition, Customs officers engaged with district council members, residents, newspapers, and cigarette retailers to introduce the city's forthcoming duty-paid label scheme. A three-month pilot scheme for the label initiative was completed earlier this year, and Customs will continue close communication with stakeholders to refine the scheme's design and implementation details. The department expects the label scheme to effectively distinguish between duty-paid and duty-unpaid cigarettes, thereby tackling the issue of “white brand” cigarettes.
Customs will step up publicity and education efforts to enhance public vigilance against illicit cigarettes. If a public housing unit is found to be involved in illicit cigarette offences, Customs will notify the Housing Department after court proceedings conclude. The department urged the public not to engage in the sale, purchase, or distribution of illicit cigarettes or related flyers, warning that such actions could result in criminal records affecting their future.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells, or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Citizens can report suspected illicit cigarette activities via the Customs 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated email address ([email protected]), or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any form of smoking product advertisement (including any flyer), and offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000. The public can report suspected distribution of illicit cigarette flyers by calling the Department of Health's Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office hotline at 2961 8823.