Authorities investigating online ads for illegal smoking products

Local authorities have said they are investigating all cases of people advertising the sale of banned smoking products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

In response to an inquiry from the Times, the Health Bureau (SSM), the entity responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-smoking laws, said, “Regarding the sale of e-cigarettes through online platforms, the Health Bureau has been conducting regular online inspections. Once any illegal sale of e-cigarettes through online platforms in Macau is detected, a dossier will be initiated for investigation.”

The bureau also noted that all cases are being investigated in depth based on the evidence and leads found in the ads.

In the same reply, the SSM stated that last year, investigations by authorities, including the bureau and the Customs Service, detected 138 cases of e-cigarette border-crossing violations.

The SSM reminds the public that, since Dec. 5, 2022, the amended Law No. 5/2011 has banned the import, export and sale of e-cigarettes in Macau. Individual violators face a fine of MOP 4,000, while private entities may be fined between MOP 20,000 and MOP 200,000.

According to a reader’s complaint received by the Times, there are a large number of social media posts advertising the sale of e-cigarettes in Macau, as well as liquid refills for these devices.

These private sellers are not only breaching the law by selling the banned products but, according to parents, also sell the products to minors, who use this method to circumvent regulations prohibiting the sale of any smoking products to those under the age of 18 in stores.

During reporting for this article, a Times reporter informally approached two teenagers in local school uniforms using vape devices outside the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion.

They admitted to having acquired the products online through a sales group on the social media platform Facebook.

Significant cigarette busts reported recently

Recently, Gongbei Customs announced a major bust involving smuggled cigarettes being illegally exported from the mainland.

According to the statement, customs officers detained a suspect attempting to smuggle 576,000 cigarettes hidden in specially designed containers. The seizure occurred at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge border post.

The export of cigarettes from mainland China requires approval from the State Council’s tobacco administration authority and a specific export license.

Late last week, the SSM launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off about two convenience stores in ZAPE allegedly selling illegal tobacco products.

Authorities reported finding large quantities of cigarettes in both shops, with packaging that violated Macau’s tobacco control laws.

One store was found with 159 packs (3,180 cigarettes), while the other held 492 packs (9,840 cigarettes).

The stores also failed to present import documentation for the seized items. As a result, Customs confiscated the cigarettes, and the SSM has initiated legal proceedings.