What Changed
- Interdepartmental outreach conducted with district council, health, police, and housing officials at public housing estates.
- Customs highlighted maximum statutory penalties under Cap. 109 (HK$2M fine, 7 years' imprisonment) and Cap. 371 (HK$50,000 fine).
- Progress updates provided on the Duty Stamp System following the conclusion of its three-month pilot run earlier this year.
On October 7, 2026, Hong Kong Customs joined forces with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department (HD), and the Hong Kong Police Force to conduct joint publicity campaigns against illicit cigarettes at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. During the initiative, officers patrolled housing estates, engaged with residents, estate security personnel, and local newspaper and cigarette retailers, and publicised the upcoming Duty Stamp System.
The campaign emphasised existing statutory enforcement regimes and potential criminal penalties. Customs reminded the public that under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), dealing with, possessing, selling, or buying illicit cigarettes carries a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment upon conviction. Furthermore, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), distributing smoking product advertisements or promotional leaflets is illegal and subjects offenders to a maximum fine of HK$50,000. Public rental housing tenants were specifically warned that if housing units are involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the Housing Department for follow-up action following the conclusion of court proceedings.
Customs also provided updates on the Duty Stamp System, which aims to distinguish duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid products and combat 'cheap whites'. Following the conclusion of a three-month pilot run earlier this year, Customs noted it will continue communicating with stakeholders to refine the system's design and implementation details. Members of the public were urged to report suspected illicit cigarette activities via Customs' 24-hour hotline (182 8080), crime-reporting email, or online form, and to report illegal leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline (2961 8823).
Who May Be Affected
Residents, estate security personnel, tobacco retailers, and public housing tenants in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Not applicable; concerns internal statutory enforcement and public housing administrative follow-ups in Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Official announcements from Hong Kong Customs regarding the implementation timeline for the Duty Stamp System.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.