Despite Hong Kong's Ban on E-Cigarettes, They Remain Rampant
A survey by Sing Tao Daily found that despite Hong Kong's recent tightening of public use bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, illegal online sales are still rampant.
A survey by Sing Tao Daily found that despite Hong Kong's recent tightening of public use bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, illegal online sales are still rampant. Reporters purchased disposable e-cigarettes through social media channels, with sellers offering home delivery or convenience store pickup services, seemingly indifferent to law enforcement. The price of a disposable e-cigarette is about HKD 120 (USD 15.60), supporting electronic payments and available for delivery within a few days.
Authorities stated that they have strengthened law enforcement through intelligence-led operations and increased patrols, but the report emphasizes that the entrenched black market still exists and has adapted to the restrictions introduced in 2022. Analysts and policy observers point out that the latest ban may push e-cigarette use further underground, as illegal supply channels remain widespread online, making regulation and enforcement even more challenging.
Authorities stated that they have strengthened law enforcement through intelligence-led operations and increased patrols, but the report emphasizes that the entrenched black market still exists and has adapted to the restrictions introduced in 2022. Analysts and policy observers point out that the latest ban may push e-cigarette use further underground, as illegal supply channels remain widespread online, making regulation and enforcement even more challenging.
