Vaping products still sold online to Hong Kong despite import ban, authorities to step up enforcement
En resumen
- Several online platforms continue selling e-cigarette products to Hong Kong despite a ban on the import, sale and public use of alternative tobacco products.
- Websites using Malaysian and UK country codes advertise delivery within two days, with disclaimers shifting legal responsibility to buyers.
- Authorities plan to intensify monitoring and enforcement.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
Hong Kong has implemented a ban on the import, sale and public use of alternative tobacco products, yet online platforms continue to circumvent these restrictions by operating from overseas and using disclaimers to shift legal responsibility to buyers.
Sales of vaping products persist on some online platforms delivering to Hong Kong despite a ban on the import, sale and public use of alternative tobacco products, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and enforcement.
The South China Morning Post on Friday found several online platforms selling e-cigarette products, with some websites displaying contact details using country codes from Malaysia and the United Kingdom. One platform advertised delivery and after-sales service in Hong Kong, with items arriving within two days.
It also carried a disclaimer stating that "due to varying laws in different regions, we strongly advise you to understand and confirm local regulations before purchasing".
"It is your responsibility to ensure the products comply with local laws to avoid potential legal risks. If the purchased product violates local laws, we will not provide compensation or take any legal responsibility," the notice said.
Another website registered in Malaysia stated that items were dispatched from outside Hong Kong, with delivery typically taking two working days. It also carried a similar notice advising customers to confirm that purchased products comply with local laws. It said the company would not provide compensation or legal liabilities if the purchased product violated local laws.
Preguntas abiertas
- How are these platforms processing payments and deliveries to Hong Kong?
- What specific enforcement actions will authorities take?
- How many consumers have been prosecuted under the ban?
