Hong Kong to enforce duty stamps, standardised tobacco packaging by Q2 2027

The new tobacco rules target appeal and illicit trade.

Hong Kong’s Health Bureau plans to implement uniform packaging and a duty stamp system for tobacco products simultaneously in the second quarter of 2027, according to a press release.

The packaging design aims to reduce the appeal of smoking products, whilst the duty stamps aim to combat the sale of illicit cigarettes. All tobacco products sold in Hong Kong must carry these stamps.

The bureau stated that the packaging design does not indicate duty-paid status, as the duty stamp serves that function.

The stamps will include physical and digital features. The physical features use technology found in banknotes to allow identification by sight, enabling retailers and the public to check authenticity.

The digital features assist Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) officers in law enforcement. Individuals can report suspicious stamps to the department for investigation, the press release added.

The C&ED completed a pilot run of the system in January and held briefing sessions for the tobacco industry to explain the system and future plans.