Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau on Saturday said the government would enter a new phase in its crackdown on illicit cigarettes and vapes, as part of its tobacco control measures laid out after a public consultation was conducted in 2023.

A series of short, medium, and long-term measures were planned following the consultation, Lo said, which included 10 tobacco control measures rolled out in the beginning of this year.

From April 30, the possession or use of alternative smoking products, such as vapes, e-cigarettes or heated tobacco in public has been prohibited.

Speaking to reporters after attending a radio programme, Lo said the measures so far had been effectively implemented, and the next step would be to focus on duty stamps and uniform packaging.

"These will be fully implemented by the end of next year, and there are very important counter measures against illicit smoking products," he said.

"After all these measures, we will start implementing possible measures against all additives in tobacco products — which in fact attracts the younger generation, as well as a lot of women, into nicotine addiction," he added.

The minister said the administration would then look into other medium and long term goals, such as charging those smoking while walking.

Hong Kong logged an "historic low" smoking prevalence rate at 8.5 percent in 2025, missing the original target set at 7.8 percent.

Lo said the SAR's goal was set in accordance to the World Health Organisation's initiative in reducing 30 percent of the global smoking rate, but the organisation postponed the target by three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.


Edited by Tony Sabine