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The Department of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has announced that starting from April 30, 2026, it will be prohibited for anyone to possess alternative smoking products (such as e-cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, and heated tobacco products) in public places. It will be considered a violation even if consumers are merely carrying these products without using them. Once caught, offenders will face a minimum fine of HK3,000, and a maximum fine of HK50,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months. The Department of Health has also clarified that there will be no grace period and no exemption for first-time offenders.

It is understood that for possession of no more than 5 cartridges, 5ml of e-liquid, 100 heated tobacco sticks, or 100 herbal cigarettes, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health will issue a fixed penalty notice of HK3,000. If the person fails or refuses to provide identification documents or intentionally obstructs law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office inspector may prosecute by summons, with a maximum fine of HK10,000. If the quantity exceeds the aforementioned standards, it will be handled by prosecution. Upon summary conviction, the maximum penalty will be a fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months. It is particularly important to note that no prior warning will be given during law enforcement. If a person smokes an alternative smoking product in a no-smoking area, they will receive two fixed penalty notices for "smoking in a no-smoking area" and "possessing alternative smoking products in a public place."

The Department of Health stated that strict enforcement will begin on April 30, with no grace period or educational mechanism involving a "warning first, fine later" approach for first-time violations. Visitors to Hong Kong will be treated equally and will not be exempt due to their tourist status.