PRESS RELEASE:PUBLIC REMINDED OF NEW LIMITS ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS BROUGHT INTO HK-27 JULY 2010

(i) 19 cigarettes; or
(ii) one cigar or 25 grams of cigars; or
(iii) 25 grams of other manufactured tobacco.

"Incoming passengers bringing in tobacco products in excess of the above exempted quantities should enter the Red Channel to make a declaration to Customs officers. Failure to do so will render the passenger liable to prosecution," the spokesman said.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, an incoming passenger who fails to declare or makes a false or incomplete declaration to a Customs officer on the excessive quantity of dutiable goods in his/her possession commits an offence.

In order to raise public awareness of the new measure, Customs has launched a series of publicity activities, including announcements on TV and radio channels, distribution of leaflets to passengers and display of posters and banners at control points as well as cross-boundary transportation facilities.

"Customs has also sought assistance from the tourism industry and Customs counterparts to help notify overseas passengers and tourists of the new measure well in advance," the spokesman said.

"The department will step up checks on incoming passengers at various control points to prevent abuse of the new measure. The maximum penalty under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance will be a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years," he added.

The new measure aims at protecting public health by containing tobacco use and encouraging smokers to quit smoking. The Customs spokesman appealed to the public and incoming passengers to comply with the new law and co-operate with Customs officers when undergoing Customs clearance at the control points.

Source: Hong Kong SAR Customs and Excise Department