Following new Hongkong tobacco regulations taking effect today, August 1, 2010, passengers aged 18 years and older will be allowed to carry at most 19 cigarettes and one cigar, or no more than 25g of cigar or other manufactured tobacco into the territory. A tax of HK$1.20 (15 cents) is levied on each duty-free cigarette that exceeds the limit of 19.
A spokesperson for the Customs and Excise Department said the move was to encourage people to stop smoking and protect public health. It will be enforced at all entry and customs points.
Violators will face a maximum fine of HK$1 million (US$128,000) and imprisonment of two years.
For more details, visit www.customs.gov.hk
Margie T Logarta
