Hong Kong is the next region in the world to introduce tough laws against vejpning. After banning both sales and imports already in 2022, a total ban on personal use is now planned.
Hong Kong was a British possession from 1841 to 1997 and today, like Macao, is one of two 'special administrative regions' of China. The area's eventual independence from China is unclear and disputed, so they are referred to here as a region rather than a country. But some things they clearly decide for themselves - and one of them is the hunt for e-cigarettes and their users - vejpare.
Prohibition of all vejpning
Hong Kong may introduce a total ban on the personal use and possession of e-cigarettes and HTPs, if the Department of Health has its way. The site vaping360 reports that. Since 2022, the sale and import of all 'alternative smoking products', as they call them, have already been banned.
"Societal consensus"
According to the French news agency AFP Lo Chung-mau, the region's Minister of Health, announced the news at a press conference. He also expressed the hope that the ban would become law this year. Deputy Health Minister Eddie Lee added that a "total ban", including a ban on possession and use by ordinary citizens, has now become a societal consensus.
Total bans most common in Asia, Middle East and South America
Total bans on e-cigarettes and other tobacco-free products are most common in Asia, the Middle East and South America, Vaping360 found in a major review last year. In total, 40 countries around the world had some form of ban on e-cigarettes at the time. In some countries, the ban included everything from selling to importing, possession or use. Since then, Australia, in particular, has joined the ranks of the banning countries.
Tougher laws than China
Hong Kong is just a few kilometres south of Shenzhen, the world's centre of the vaping industry. In recent years, China has tightened its grip on Hong Kong, but even China's strict rules on vejping are not as tough as those now planned in Hong Kong.
Six months in prison
Under current law in the region, importing vejp products can lead to up to seven years in prison and a fine of two million Hong Kong dollars (which is about $2.9 million), according to AFP. Those selling on the black market risk up to six months in prison.
It is not yet clear whether the Ministry of Health is planning new penalties for people caught for private use, or whether the existing penalties for commercial offences will also apply to private individuals.
