Since 2019 the authorities have been studying a ban on alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and herbal sticks (tobacco free). The government’s position is that alternative tobacco products constitute a threat to public health, and measures should be taken to prevent a potential increase on tobacco consumption that may be caused by the popularising of alternative smoking products. A government-sponsored bill is currently under consideration of a special committee of the Legislative Council.
This report provides an overview of the current regulatory framework for heated tobacco, oral tobacco and nicotine pouches in Hong Kong.