A new system to quickly verify a returning Hong Kong resident's eligibility for cigarette duty-free concessions will begin at 9am on Wednesday.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Excise Chow Kwong said the system will allow Customs officers to effectively enforce the 24-hour rule in relation to the cigarette duty-free concession for returning Hong Kong residents.

Hong Kong residents must be outside of Hong Kong for a minimum of 24 hours to qualify to bring cigarettes in duty-free.

The Customs & Excise Department has installed computer workstations at the Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal.

Authorised Customs officers can quickly check online with the Immigration Department to see whether a returning Hong Kong resident has spent at least 24 hours outside the Special Adminstrative Region. 

Mr Chow stressed that the department has taken sufficient measures to protect residents' personal data and prevent abuse of the facility.

Plain-clothed Customs officers also patrol arrival areas to watch for passengers who do not declare dutiable cigarettes in their possession.

Passengers who have undeclared dutiable goods in excess of the quantity allowed will be fined or prosecuted.

Starting July 5, 2002, a returning resident aged 18 or above who has spent at least 24 hours outside Hong Kong may bring in 60 cigarettes duty-free for his own use.