Online platforms continue shipping e-cigarette products to Hong Kong despite a ban on their import, sale, and public use. The South China Morning Post found several such sites on Friday, prompting authorities to increase inspections and digital surveillance. Platforms include disclaimers urging buyers to check local laws.
Sales of vaping products persist on online platforms delivering to Hong Kong despite the 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 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 added a similar notice advising customers to confirm compliance with local laws, and said the company would not provide compensation or legal liabilities if products violated them.
