The Government will strengthen the regulation of e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan told reporters today these products are harmful to health.

"We are very concerned about e-cigarettes and also the heat-not-burn cigarettes because their components are actually harmful to health. Therefore, the Government has decided to strengthen its regulation."

On deciding the direction of regulation, she said the Government will study data on these products from Hong Kong and around the world, and the World Health Organization's recommendations.

"We also need to look at the local situation to devise a regulation mechanism. Although we understand that there are different opinions about our proposed regulation direction, we continue to receive comments and review the international evidence."

Prof Chan rejected claims the Government is under pressure from tobacco manufacturers not to implement a complete ban.

"As a regulatory authority and also the Food & Health Bureau, we stand up to any pressure. The most important thing is public health."