HK Tightens Tobacco Control

Source: CRIENGLISH

Incoming visitors to Hong Kong can only bring in a maximum of 19 cigarettes, or 25 grams of other manufactured tobacco products beginning August 1st, China National Radio reports Thursday, citing sources from the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong.

A spokesman with the Department says the incoming passengers bringing in tobacco products in excess of the above exempted quantities should enter the Red Channel to make a declaration with the customs officers. Failure to do so will render the passenger liable for prosecution.

The Department will also step up checks on incoming passengers at various control points to prevent abuse of the new measure. The maximum penalty under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance will be a fine of 1 million HK dollars and imprisonment for two years, according to the spokesman.

The new measure aims at protecting public health by containing tobacco use and encouraging smokers to quit smoking, the report says.

[More Guangdong and Pan PRD News]

Editor: Robert Wang