Authorities crackdown on 700 e-cig devices

Efforts to enforce Macau’s strict e-cigarette regulations continue to intensify, with authorities seizing hundreds of devices so far this year.

Between January and June, local authorities confiscated about 200 e-cigarette devices and 10,000 cartridges, as part of efforts to crack down on illegal imports through online shopping, couriers and personal transport.

Since a 2018 ban on e-cigarette sales took effect, authorities have recorded 193 suspected instances of the law being broken.

In 2023 alone, about 700 e-cigarette devices and nearly 59,000 cartridges were seized, as authorities intensify monitoring, inspections and confiscations.

Individuals face fines of up to MOP4,000 for violations, while tobacco shops risk penalties ranging between MOP20,000 and MOP200,000.

Macau has significantly escalated efforts to combat the illegal import and use of e-cigarettes, implementing stricter regulations and enforcement measures to promote a smoke-free lifestyle among residents.

The Health Bureau and Macao Customs are focusing on preventing youth access and exposure to e-cigarettes.

They aim to minimize the products’ availability and discourage use among residents, in line with laws passed in 2017 and 2022 further prohibiting the manufacturing, distribution and import of e-cigarettes. VC