Asia Harm Reduction Group Welcomes Hong Kong's End to Vape Ban
In October 2018, Hong Kong officials announced a total ban on e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products. However, on June 2 last week, the Legislative Council's Smoking Bill Committee announced it would stop discussing the ban. The committee was forme
In October 2018, Hong Kong officials announced a complete ban on e-cigarettes and other innovative tobacco products. However, on June 2 of last week, the Legislative Council's Smoking Bill Committee announced the cessation of discussions on the ban.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
The committee was established in March 2019 to address the proposed comprehensive ban on electronic devices. However, after holding nine meetings (including three public hearings), the committee concluded that allowing the use of e-cigarettes would provide smokers with a safer smoke-free alternative.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
The smoking rate in Asia is concerning.<\/span><\/div>
“CAPHRA is pleased to see that the Hong Kong government's impending ban on HTPs has been abandoned in favor of a pragmatic, science-based approach to tobacco harm reduction,” said some members of the committee, citing scientific research showing that the toxicant levels of these products are significantly lower than those of combustible cigarettes. CAPHRA's executive coordinator Nancy Loucas pointed out that, like Japan and South Korea, Hong Kong has a large number of former smokers who have switched to HTPs.<\/span><\/div>
She said: “CAPHRA is pleased to see that the impending ban on HTPs has been abandoned by the government in favor of a pragmatic, science-based approach to tobacco harm reduction.” “It is encouraging that some officials involved in deciding the fate of the products strongly opposed the science-based ban, which proved that HTPs have lower toxicant levels compared to cigarettes while addressing concerns about the illegal trade market for these products.”<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
Loucas added that it is unfortunate that many heated tobacco users have been forced to return to smoking due to the inability to purchase products over the past year. “Others may have been caught through illegal channels. Legislators such as Peter Shui, Raymond Chan, and Cheng Chunt-tai have repeatedly argued that the ban is neither logical nor feasible. More importantly, all three pointed out that adult smokers should not be deprived of the right to choose to reduce tobacco harm.”<\/span><\/div>
Related Articles
Vaping News
Ahead of a Nationwide Ban, Hundreds of Russian Retailers Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
2026-04-16
Vaping News
Illegal Vape Brands Try to Evade FDA Scrutiny by Posing as “Made in the USA”
2026-04-08
Vaping News
Jordan’s New Tobacco Control Rules: Waterpipe Tobacco Market Set for Major Changes
2026-03-17