Hong Kong to Ban E-Cigarette Cartridges in Public by Mid-2026
Government Pushes Ahead with Anti-Tobacco Agenda
Hong Kong authorities hope to reduce the smoking prevalence rate to 7.8% this year, down from 9.1% in 2023. To achieve this goal, the government is taking a stricter stance on e-cigarettes and vaping products. According to Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau, the city will ban the possession and use of e-cigarette cartridges in public by mid-2026.
Background on Vaping in Hong Kong
Vaping remains common in Hong Kong, despite the ban on the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in April 2022. The Chinese finance hub has been grappling with the issue of vaping, particularly among young people. Lo Chung-mau emphasized the need to protect young people from the dangers of vaping, stating, “To protect our young people, we believe it is time to ban the use of e-cigarette cartridges.”
Legislative Push
The policy, which was first floated last year as a blanket ban on e-cigarettes, will be sent to the legislature in April with the goal of taking effect by mid-2026. The ban will start with public places, as there will be “many enforcement problems” in indoor areas. The World Health Organization has reported that around 35 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes.
Enforcement and Penalties
Following a 2022 law, anyone in Hong Kong who imports e-cigarettes can be punished by up to seven years in jail and a fine of HK$2 million (US$257,000), while sellers and manufacturers can be jailed for up to six months. Lo Chung-mau noted that many of the people still vaping in Hong Kong rely on illegal imports and that e-cigarette cartridges or pods have become a tool for recreational drug use.
Cracking Down on Illicit Vaping Products
Authorities have scrambled to crack down on the rising use of etomidate – an anaesthetic nicknamed “space oil” that is often inhaled through vaping. As part of its legislative push, the Hong Kong government will also propose banning non-menthol flavoured cigarettes in April.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s ban on e-cigarette cartridges in public is a significant step towards reducing the prevalence of smoking in the city. The government’s anti-tobacco agenda aims to protect young people and curb the use of illicit vaping products. With the ban set to take effect by mid-2026, authorities hope to see a significant decline in smoking rates and a reduction in the use of harmful vaping products.
FAQs
Q: Why is Hong Kong banning e-cigarette cartridges in public?
A: The government aims to protect young people from the dangers of vaping and reduce the prevalence of smoking in the city.
Q: When will the ban take effect?
A: The ban is set to take effect by mid-2026.
Q: What are the penalties for importing, selling, or manufacturing e-cigarettes?
A: Anyone who imports e-cigarettes can be punished by up to seven years in jail and a fine of HK$2 million (US$257,000), while sellers and manufacturers can be jailed for up to six months.
Q: What other measures is the Hong Kong government taking to curb smoking?
A: The government will also propose banning non-menthol flavoured cigarettes in April as part of its anti-tobacco agenda.