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An amendment bill to strengthen tobacco control will be submitted to the Legislative Council in April, which includes a potential ban on non-menthol flavored cigarettes starting as early as next year, says Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau.
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Speaking on a TV program on Sunday, Lo said ten tobacco control measures will be included in the amendment, each with different implementation timelines.
He said penalties for illegal tobacco will be increased and taxed cigarettes will have labeling for identification in 2026.
Following that, a ban on non-menthol flavored cigarettes will be implemented, with the ban on menthol cigarettes to come later, although no specific timeline for this expansion has been set.
The arrangement will also apply to flavored water pipes, also known as hookah and shisha.
Lo said that 40 percent of smokers use flavored cigarettes, with over half of those preferring menthol.
“Menthol cigarettes have a longer history, which is why we hope the policy can be implemented gradually. We want to start with non-menthol as a pilot.”
All imported cigarettes for sale in the future would need "certification to verify whether they contain these flavoring ingredients".
Lo said flavored cigarettes are a key focus for the government, adding: 'We’ve seen significant opposition, especially from tobacco companies, which shows that this hits their core interests.”
He noted that incoming travelers, including Hong Kong residents, can still bring in 19 flavored cigarettes tax-free under the ban.
Once taxed, they can bring in more for personal use, "initially estimated at up to 20 packs."
Regarding e-cigarettes, which have been banned from import and sale since 2022 but can still be owned, Lo indicated that a complete ban may be necessary due to recent misuse for concealing “space oil drugs.”
A transition period will be provided for citizens to dispose of their stock, with plans to implement the ban by mid-2026, he said.
(Cheng Wong)
