Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 20) seized about 26 000 suspected illicit heat-not-burn (HNB) products with an estimated market value of about $70,000 and a duty potential of about $50,000 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Osaka, Japan, yesterday night. During Customs clearance, the suspected illicit HNB products were found inside his luggage. The man was arrested for failing to declare HNB products in excess of duty-free concession to a Customs Officer.
The arrested man is 38 years old. Investigation is ongoing.
In 2019, nine incoming passengers were arrested at the HKIA for failing to make a declaration of HNB products in excess of duty-free concessions to Customs officers. About 290,000 suspected illicit HNB products with an estimated market value of about $800,000 and duty potential of about $600,000 were seized.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), tobacco products are dutiable goods to which DCO applies. Any HNB products containing tobacco in content are also dutiable goods subject to the control of DCO. Any person who possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid license commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years. Members of the public may call the Customs' hotline 2815 7711 regarding whether specific tobacco or a smoking product is under the regulation of the DCO.
Members of the public may also report any suspected violation of the DCO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2019
