The new legislative control of cannabidiol (CBD) will come into effect on February 1. CBD will be under the same strict control as other dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) from that day. With the commencement of the new regulation, Hong Kong Customs will take vigorous enforcement action to fiercely combat the related drug trafficking activities.
Under the DDO, trafficking (including importing and exporting) and illicit manufacturing of CBD is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. Possession and consumption of CBD in contravention of the DDO will be subject to a maximum penalty of a fine of $1 million and imprisonment of seven years.
From February 1 onwards, importation of products (including food or drinks) containing CBD into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the DDO are complied with.
Customs will step up enforcement action to intercept the import and transit movements of CBD products in various channels. At the same time, Customs will continue to apply risk assessment strategy to select passengers, cargoes and postal packets for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Customs reminds members of the public not to bring any cannabis products or products containing CBD into Hong Kong. To avoid breaching the law inadvertently, they should also refrain from buying any CBD products, and pay attention to whether the products' packaging and labels contain wordings of CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when making any purchase. When in doubt, members of the public should not take the risk of buying these products or bringing them back to Hong Kong.
Customs appeals to members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
