Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Customs officers intercepted an 83-year-old incoming male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on December 23, and seized 400 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1,600 and a duty potential of about $1,300 from the inner pockets of a vest worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:45
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HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (December 29) the expanded list of 40 participating banks (see Annex) starting from Phase 2 of the RMB Business Facility (RBF), with the total quota allocated to participating banks increased to RMB100 billion, from RMB50 billion in the previous phase.
As announced by the HKMA on September 26 (please refer to the Circular
Starting from Phase 2, which commenced on December 1, the 40 participating banks can apply for RMB funds from the HKMA within their assigned quota under the RBF, to provide RMB financing to local and overseas corporates in support of the real economy.
The specific quota assigned to each of the 40 participating banks is based on the bank’s existing scale of relevant business, expected pipeline, as well as the geographical reach of its overseas intragroup banking entities, all of which reflect its potential in enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity in channelling offshore RMB funds to the global market. When determining the quota allocation, facility usage of the 24 banks that participated in the previous RMB Trade Financing Liquidity Facility and Phase 1 of the RBF has also been taken into account.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “With the support from the People’s Bank of China, the HKMA will continue to closely monitor the progress of the RBF, and will consider adding more participating banks as appropriate, subject to actual facility usage and market demand, with a view to further promoting the use of RMB in the real economy and fostering the growth of offshore RMB business in Hong Kong.”
Terms and operation details of the RBF can be found in the aforementioned Circular.
Issued at HKT 12:00
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Adjusted fixed penalties for traffic contraventions to take effect on January 1, 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government today (December 29) reminds members of the public that the fixed penalties for illegal parking and 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion have been adjusted and will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The resolution to increase such fixed penalties (including the effective date) was passed by the Legislative Council on July 30. The relevant traffic contraventions and the adjusted penalty charges are as follows:
- The fixed penalty for illegal parking offences under the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap. 237) will be increased from $320 to $400; and
- Fixed penalties for 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance (Cap. 240) will be increased from the current range of $320 to $1,000 to a revised range of $480 to $1,500 (see details in the Annex).
The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “The fixed penalties for illegal parking and many traffic contraventions have remained unchanged for 31 years. Compared with other jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s current penalty levels are significantly lower, and their deterrent effect has gradually diminished due to inflation. To address the persistent – and in some cases rising – trend of traffic contraventions, measured adjustments to the relevant penalty charges will help enhance road safety and traffic flows. At the same time, the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen publicity and education efforts on road safety.”
Views sought on trade digitalisation
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today published a consultation paper to gather industry views on proposed legislative amendments intended to facilitate digitalisation of “Business-to-Business” (B2B) trade documents in Hong Kong.
It said that digitalisation of B2B trade documents can reduce processing time and costs, enhance transparency and integrity, and facilitate international trade.
Enterprises already submit most of “Business-to-Government” trade documents – including import and export declarations, cargo manifests, and various licence and permit documentation – via the Government Electronic Trading Services and the Trade Single Window.
However, transactions involving B2B trade documents such as bills of lading and bills of exchange still rely largely on paper-based submissions due to legal requirements and industry practice.
In the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address, the Government said it would make reference to the UN Commission on International Trade Law’s Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) in formulating legislative amendments to facilitate trade document digitalisation.
The consultation paper seeks views on a proposed framework to amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, and on legislation aimed at implementing key MLETR provisions.
The amendments will provide the legal basis for the use of electronic transferable records. Suitable MLETR provisions will be codified into the ordinance as far as is practicable, in order to align with international standards and promote cross-border interoperability.
Views can be submitted by email, faxed to 2147 3065, or posted to Division 4, Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar by March 27, 2026.
Smoking fine hike effective Jan 1
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health today reminded the public that the amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, including the fixed penalty hike.
The three amendments cover the extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres; prohibition of smoking while queuing, including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, or while queuing within specified premises; and an increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.
The department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute individuals who smoke in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.
The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement.
Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement.
Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.
The new tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to people under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the Amendment Ordinance’s gazettal on September 19, 2025.
The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product substances, such as e-cigarette liquids, cartridges and heat sticks in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026.
The public can call the smoking cessation hotline at 1833 183 which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.
MOEA Holds Webinar on EU Forced Labour Regulation
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Following up on its recent webinar about U.S. regulations on forced labor, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted a webinar on December 17 pertaining to the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation. The initiative aims to provide Taiwanese businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscapes in both the U.S. and EU markets, thereby bolstering corporate compliance and enhancing the ability of Taiwan’s industries to manage sustainability.
Legal experts from the EU-based law firm Van Bael & Bellis detailed the scope of coverage under the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation, its enforcement mechanisms, and its interrelation with other EU due diligence regulations to help firms reduce risks in international trade.
The webinar attracted over 300 participants from government, academia, Taiwan’s main export sectors to the EU (e.g., semiconductors, electronics, machinery, etc.), as well as think tanks and human rights groups, thus demonstrating the critical importance domestic stakeholders place on labor rights and supply chain compliance.
To remain competitive, Taiwanese businesses must align with global labor standards by enhancing supply chain transparency and risk management in response to stricter international regulations.
Traffic fines go up from Jan 1
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government reminds members of the public that the fixed penalty for illegal parking offences will be increased from $320 to $400 from January 1.
On the same day, the fixed penalties for 19 other traffic-related offences will be adjusted upward from the current $320 to $1,000 range, with a new scale of $480 to $1,500.
The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen road safety publicity and education.
Tennis event receives ‘M’ Mark status
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Major Sports Events Committee announced today that it has awarded “M” Mark status to the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026, which will be held at Victoria Park from January 4 to 11.
The committee’s chairman Wilfred Ng said that as the first “M” Mark event in 2026, the Hong Kong Tennis Open will attract visitors from around the world along with local fans to witness world-class tennis players compete at the highest level.
The tournament will be the first major sports event of the new year in Hong Kong, he added.
Mentorship scheme graduation held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Nearly 4,000 graduates from the third cohort of the Strive & Rise Programme showcased their achievements and expressed their gratitude to the mentors during their graduation ceremony today.
Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that the successful implementation of the programme hinges on the close collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community in supporting mentees in pursuing their dreams.
Reflecting on the past three cohorts of the programme, Mr Chan noted that the number of enterprises and groups supporting the programme increased from over 100 in the first cohort to over 400 in the third cohort.
The number of Mainland study and exchange tours rose from five in the first cohort to 35 in the third cohort, setting footprints in an array of destinations such as Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningxia, Sichuan, Xian, Wuhan, Hainan and the Greater Bay Area.
The number of star mentors also registered a significant jump from over 10 in the first cohort to 50 in the third cohort.
The Chief Secretary encouraged the graduates to actively participate in the activities of the Alumni Club to expand their social networks and sustain the programme’s effectiveness.
Among the graduates of the third cohort of the programme, 150 mentees were awarded for their active participation, improvement and outstanding achievements.
Talent scheme uni list updated
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today announced its annual update of the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, which will take effect on January 1.
The updated list consists of 200 universities and institutions, reflecting the changes to the relevant university rankings.
The aggregate list comprises the top 100 universities or institutions over the past five years in four world university rankings, namely the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the US News & World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The list also covers the top five universities or institutions providing specialised hotel programmes on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “hospitality and leisure management”, the top five specialised institutions on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “Art and Design” and the top 20 ranked Mainland universities under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Best Chinese Universities Ranking in the past five years.