E-cigarettes will be completely banned in public places in Hong Kong. Violators will be fined up to NT$50,000 and imprisoned for 6 months.

From April 30, 2026, Hong Kong will enter a new stage of comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes in public places.Starting from April 30, 2026, Hong Kong will completely prohibit the possession of alternative smoking products in public places, including e-cigarette liquids, cartridges and heated cigarettes. The core of this new regulation is to significantly extend the scope of control from the prohibition of smoking to the prohibition of possession, further reducing the living space of related products.

This means that from the effective date, it will be illegal for anyone to possess e-cigarette cartridges, heated cigarettes, herbal cigarettes and related accessories in public places. During the enforcement process, if anyone is found smoking the above-mentioned products in public places, the law enforcement agencies will treat them as possession.

Individuals who violate relevant regulations will face a fixed fine of HK$3,000. If the quantity of alternative smoking products in possession is large, or if it is found to be for commercial use, the penalties will be significantly increased, with a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and a prison sentence of 6 months.

Passengers visiting Hong Kong need to pay special attention to the fact that alternative smoking products and their accessories are strictly prohibited from being brought into the country. From the date when the new regulations come into effect, even if you only hold or carry these products on the streets of Hong Kong, you may face fixed fines at any time. It is recommended to thoroughly clean up related items before entering Hong Kong.

Prior to this, Hong Kong had implemented a number of tobacco control measures on January 1 this year, including extending the smoking ban to public places within 3 meters of the entrances and exits of child care centers, schools, hospitals and other places. At the same time, smoking is strictly prohibited while waiting in line for public transportation or entering designated premises.

With the implementation of these measures, the fixed penalty for illegal smoking in Hong Kong has been doubled from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000. This series of heavy blows demonstrates the local government's firm stance on tobacco control and its determination to protect public health through legal means.