Hong Kong will ban the possession and public use of e-cigarettes by mid-2026, Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau announced on Sunday. The move expands the city’s 2022 restrictions on the import, manufacture, and sale of vaping products, targeting lingering youth access and public health concerns.
“To protect our young people, we must eliminate e-cigarette cartridges from daily life,” Lo stated during a televised address. “Legislation will first address possession and open use. Once the public adapts, enforcement will extend comprehensively.”
The proposal heads to Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in April 2026, with phased implementation expected by July 2026.
Existing Restrictions Fail to Curb Vaping Prevalence
Despite banning sales and imports in April 2022, vaping remains widespread in Hong Kong. Authorities seized over 1.2 million illicit e-cigarettes in 2023 alone, highlighting persistent demand. The new ban aims to close loopholes by criminalizing public possession—a strategy mirroring Singapore’s strict anti-vaping laws.
Global Momentum Builds Against E-Cigarettes
Hong Kong joins 35 countries, including Brazil and Thailand, that prohibit e-cigarette sales, per the World Health Organization (WHO). However, few regions criminalize personal possession. Australia’s prescription-only model and the UK’s flavor restrictions reflect varied regulatory approaches to balancing harm reduction for smokers with youth protection.
“The challenge lies in disrupting illicit markets while supporting smokers transitioning away from combustibles,” said Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Western Pacific Regional Advisor.
