Hong Kong Customs Reports Successful Trial of Tax Stamps

In the February 2025 issue of Tax Stamp & Authentication News™, we reported on Hong Kong Customs’ launch of a three-month pilot scheme under its new tobacco duty stamp system. The initiative introduced trial stamps on duty-paid cigarette packs to curb illicit trade and strengthen tax compliance.

The pilot has now concluded, with Hong Kong Customs reporting strong operational results and a clear roadmap towards phased implementation.

Two-phase pilot design

The pilot run, launched on 6 October, was structured in two phases to test the duty stamp system in real operating conditions.

The first phase focused on operational readiness and technology testing. During this phase, Customs affixed trial stamps to duty-paid cigarettes brought into Hong Kong by travellers and to small import shipments at duty collection offices.

In parallel, Customs carried out technical tests within local cigarette manufacturing facilities. These tests also included building a computer module for data system testing, affixing stamps during production, storing products in bonded warehouses, and releasing stamped cigarettes to the retail market after duty payment.