Cigarette packs to get a plain look starting in March

Starting in March, cigarette packs in Hong Kong will undergo a plain look overhaul as part of a nine-month transition period announced by the government. This shift aims to eliminate brand elements and design enhancements in tobacco packaging, making the products less appealing and reducing their allure to potential smokers. The 12 health warnings currently in use since 2018 will also be updated to maintain their deterrent effect against smoking, emphasizing the link between smoking and disabilities such as blindness or chronic diseases like cancer.

Manufacturers will no longer be required to display tar and nicotine levels, preventing the false impression that products with lower levels are less harmful.

To combat potential counterfeiting, a duty stamp system will be introduced, requiring all taxed products to bear both physical and digital anti-counterfeiting stamps. Violators of the uniform packaging requirement could face fines of up to HK$50,000. Manny Lam, head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, noted that numerous countries and regions have already adopted plain packaging, with overseas studies showing a significant decrease in smoking prevalence, overall attractiveness of smoking products, and youth initiation into smoking after the measures were implemented.

Lam is confident that Hong Kong will also benefit from these measures and expects the new look to deter trade in illicit cigarettes, as buyers would stand out due to the stark contrast in packaging.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, led by chairman Henry Tong, fully supports the government's implementation of uniform packaging to prevent children and teenagers from smoking. Parents and school principals have reported that colorful cigarette packs and promotional wording attract young people to learn about smoking, which is dangerous. The legislation governing cigarette packaging will be officially published on Friday.