Hong Kong officially lifts the ban on the transport of vapes

The Legislative Council in China’s Hong Kong has officially lifted the ban on the transport of vaping products, following the third reading of the “2023 Import and Export (Amendment) Bill” on June 21st. The amendment signifies that alternative smoking products (vapes) can now be transported through Hong Kong by sea, air, and land routes, having previously been prohibited. The legislation received strong support with 72 votes in favor, one against, and three abstentions.

This decision comes after reports highlighted that the ban on transporting vapes had caused a significant decline in cargo volume, affecting Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping hub. Since the implementation of the ban in April 2022, there was a significant decrease in air cargo volume at Hong Kong International Airport, with an average drop of 20% compared to the same period in 2021. Furthermore, the ban had affected approximately 470 freight forwarding companies involved in the vape transport business, accounting for a third of total freight forwarding companies. It was also noted that due to the loss of this “heavy cargo”, other cargo types were also affected.

The lifting of the ban on the transportation of vapes in Hong Kong is a crucial step, reflecting the need to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness in global logistics and uphold its position as an international shipping hub. However, it is worth noting that the new regulation comes with stringent safety measures to control the transit transport of vapes and mitigate their entry into the local market. The successful passing of the “2023 Import and Export (Amendment) Bill” represents the balance between commercial necessity and public health considerations, a decision that showcases the government’s commitment to both economic progress and regulatory responsibility.