As Hong Kong’s vaping ban takes effect, desperate users begin stockpiling
Hong Kong residents who use heated tobacco products (HNB) are facing a harsh reality. As the ban on the sale and import of vaping products takes effect, the market will immediately shift from legal to illegal. Hong Kong authorities have already begun trac
Residents of Hong Kong who use heated tobacco products (HNB) will face a harsh reality. The ban on the sale and import of e-cigarettes will take effect, and the e-cigarette market will immediately shift from legal to illegal.<\/span><\/div>
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Hong Kong authorities have already begun to crack down on the expected surge in smuggling activities. The customs department released a press release today highlighting the products they seized: “Approximately 2.63 million suspected illegal [heated tobacco products], about 190,000 suspected nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, and about 5,000 milliliters of suspected nicotine-containing e-liquid were seized. The estimated market value is about $15 million.”<\/span><\/div>
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After five years of effort, Hong Kong passed the ban last October. As of April 30, it will be illegal to sell, manufacture, import, or promote e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Violators may face hefty fines and up to six months in prison, although personal use and possession are not illegal. Of course, cigarettes will remain completely legal, and many e-cigarette and HNB users will return to smoking.<\/span><\/div>
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Like almost all e-cigarette bans, this one in Hong Kong is driven by anti-tobacco groups and public health interests as a way to protect children. The powerful anti-smoking advocacy organization, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH), has called for a complete ban on e-cigarette product sales since 2018.<\/span><\/div>
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Hong Kong borders Shenzhen, China, a massive manufacturing city where nearly all e-cigarette products sold worldwide are produced. There are 11 land crossing points between the two major cities, with trucks, trains, and ships constantly shuttling between Hong Kong ports and Shenzhen factories, and authorities will have to work overtime to curb smuggling activities.<\/span><\/div>
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Hong Kong customs officials stated that they have arrested 11 individuals on charges of smuggling e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products—this is much more serious than selling or manufacturing prohibited items. In Hong Kong, smuggling offenses can carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.<\/span><\/div>
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Retailers in Hong Kong report a surge in sales of e-cigarette products in recent weeks as desperate users attempt to stockpile products. However, among HNB users recently surveyed, 90% indicated that they would return to smoking once the ban takes effect.<\/span><\/div>
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