New law on smokers flying to Hong Kong
By IANSMonday, August 2, 2010
HONG KONG - Smokers travelling to Hong Kong by air watch out! Authorities here have passed new regulations that prohibit incoming passengers carrying more than 19 cigarettes.
In the past, travellers entering Hong Kong were allowed to bring in up to three packs or 60 cigarettes duty free.
The new tobacco regulations came into force Aug 1, which restricts the maximum number of cigarettes in the possession of passengers flying to Hong Kong to 19, China Daily reported.
Passengers who bought a whole pack of cigarettes - normally containing 20 - had to either drop one before declaring at customs or pay 3.2 yuan as tariff.
“It is understandable to restrict purchasing duty-free cigarettes. However, the number 19 brings too much trouble and is too time-consuming. Why can’t it be 20?” a passenger surnamed Lee said.
