Macau government’s Health Bureau to propose plain cigarette packaging in tobacco law amendment; measure aim to reduce tobacco’s appeal to young people

May 5, 2025 (Macau Business) –

The Macau government plans to amend its tobacco control law, with Health Bureau director Alvis Lo Iek Long revealing on Sunday that standardised “plain packaging” for cigarettes will be a key measure to reduce tobacco’s appeal to young people.

In an interview with public broadcaster TDM, Lo confirmed authorities are speeding up preliminary work but noted no timeline has been set due to the legislative process.

The proposed revisions include expanding outdoor smoking bans to areas near schools and daycare centres, mirroring existing bus stop restrictions. Authorities also plan to trial “designated smoking areas” based on international models, aiming to balance the rights of smokers and non-smokers. Additionally, the amendment seeks to prohibit the import and sale of novel tobacco products, such as Middle Eastern shisha and herbal cigarettes.

A central element of the reform is the introduction of standardised plain packaging for all cigarette packs, designed to minimise the influence of tobacco marketing on youth.

Lo explained that the current law allows different management entities to designate no-smoking zones. Officials are now developing pilot programmes to define “smoking points” and establish clear signage systems, though specific trial locations have yet to be finalised.