After banning Vape sales, Hong Kong plans to ban personal use of Vapes, even in private

Hong Kong, June 6, 2024 — The Hong Kong government has unveiled plans for a comprehensive ban on vapes, citing a societal consensus on the need to protect public health, particularly that of young people. This announcement comes two years after the city prohibited the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Hong Kong has banned the sale and import of e-cigarette products since 2022.

“We will fully ban all alternative smoking products,” stated Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau at a recent news conference. The term “alternative smoking products” encompasses items such as e-cigarettes.

Under current legislation, individuals in Hong Kong who import e-cigarettes face severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and a fine of HK$2 million (US$256,000). Sellers and manufacturers can also face imprisonment of up to six months. The proposed legislation would extend these bans to retail buyers, even if they intend to use the products privately.

“A blanket ban on alternative smoking products has become a consensus in society,” Deputy Secretary for Health Eddie Lee remarked. “It is time to ban all forms of possession of alternative smoking products, including for personal use.”

In addition to the e-cigarette ban, city officials announced several other smoking-related restrictions. These include prohibitions on smoking while queueing in outdoor public areas and sharing cigarettes with minors. The government has also proposed banning flavored tobacco, which surveys indicate is particularly appealing to women and young people.

Lo Chung-mau expressed hope that the e-cigarette ban and other proposed measures would be introduced to the legislature within the year.

The World Health Organization reported last year that 34 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes, while 87 have implemented full or partial regulations.

Hong Kong authorities aim to reduce the smoking prevalence rate to 7.8 percent by next year, down from 9.1 percent in 2023. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public health and reduce smoking-related illnesses in the city.

As the legislative process unfolds, the Hong Kong government is expected to provide further details on the enforcement mechanisms and timelines for these new measures. The move has been welcomed by public health advocates, who see it as a significant step towards a healthier future for Hong Kong’s residents.