How the coming new anti-smoking measures in Hong Kong will affect you

Hong Kong authorities have revealed more details on eight of the 10 tobacco control measures in an amended bill on Friday, including a ban on possessing alternative smoking products (ASPs) starting from April 30 next year.

The sale of conventional smoking products with flavours other than menthol are also expected to be banned from the second quarter of 2027.

The measures aim to cut the city’s smoking rate to 7.8 per cent by this year, from the current 9.1 per cent.

The Post unpacks the measures and what they mean for residents and tourists.

1. What are alternative smoking products? Am I allowed to vape?

According to the Customs and Excise Department, ASPs include electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes. It also covers components, accessories, and any substances or tobacco packaged for use with an ASP device.

From April 30 next year, possessing materials used for smoking ASPs such as e-cigarette cartridges, tobacco sticks for heated tobacco or herbal cigarettes in public will be illegal. Smoking ASPs will also be deemed as possessing such products.