Hong Kong will prohibit the public possession and use of e-cigarette cartridges by mid-2026 as part of its intensified efforts against tobacco products, the city’s health chief announced on Sunday.
Despite banning the import, sale, and manufacture of e-cigarettes in April 2022, vaping remains widespread in the financial hub. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau emphasized the need to curb e-cigarette use, particularly among young people, stating that authorities will begin by restricting outdoor use before expanding enforcement to all areas.
The proposal will be presented to the legislature in April, with the aim of full implementation within two years. Hong Kong officials have set a target to lower the city’s smoking rate to 7.8 percent this year, down from 9.1 percent in 2023.
Authorities are also cracking down on illegal e-cigarette imports, which Lo said are often linked to drug use. The anesthetic etomidate, known as “space oil,” has reportedly been inhaled through vaping, prompting increased enforcement efforts.
