A Government Laboratory test last year on 77 cigarette brands found the average tar and nicotine yields were 9.4 milligrams and 0.69mg per cigarette, up 0.5mg and down 0.08mg on 2006's findings.

The Department of Health today said cigarettes containing low levels of tar and nicotine are still harmful as smokers may take larger, more frequent puffs or smoke more cigarettes. The best way to protect health is to quit smoking.

The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance no longer has a requirement to bear tar group designation on tobacco products. From October 27 the law also requires health warnings to cover at least half the tobacco package's principal surface area.

Both the department and the Hospital Authority provide smoking cessation services. Click here or call 1833 183 for advice on quitting smoking.