17 May 2019
Import & Export Requirements
Hong Kong pursues a free trade policy and does not maintain barriers on trade. There are no restrictions on the right of operating the import and export of goods. But still, the import and export of goods must comply with certain regulations and clearance procedures.
Import and Export Clearance
In general, all cargoes imported into / exported from Hong Kong via air, land and sea are subject to Customs control which is done primarily through inspection of clearance documents, including:
1. manifests;
2. import / export licence or removal permit (if required);
3. copy of detention notice (if applicable); and / or
4. other supporting documents such as bill of lading, airway bill, invoice, packing
Physical examination of the goods, if necessary, is mainly conducted on a selective basis.
For more information on import and export clearance, please visit the following webpages:
• Manifest Requirements
• Cargo Examination
Import and Export Declaration
Hong Kong is a free port. Any Hong Kong company or individual who imports or exports any goods, except for prohibited / controlled items, is not required to apply or register with the Government in advance.
Having said that, importers and exporters are still required to lodge accurate and complete import and export declarations to Hong Kong Customs within 14 days after the import or export of goods (other than exempted articles).
Declarations can be lodged electronically through the following services providers appointed by the HKSAR Government:
| Service Providers | Contact Information |
Brio Electronic Commerce Limited | Website: www.brio.com.hk/en/ |
| Global e-Trading Services Limited | Website: www.ge-ts.com.hk/en/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 8201 0082 Email: enquiry@ge-ts.com.hk |
| Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited | Website: www.tradelink.com.hk/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2917 8888 Email: mktsales@tradelink.com.hk |
For more information on import and export declarations, please visit the following webpages:
• Types of Declaration Forms
• How to Complete and Lodge Import / Export Declarations
• Import and Export Declaration Charges
Dutiable Commodities
Hong Kong does not levy any Customs tariff on imports and exports. Only four types of commodities are subject to the charging of duties in Hong Kong, namely liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol.
| Dutiable Commodities | Applicable Duties |
Liquor | Duties are assessed according to the alcohol strength and values. |
| Tobacco | Duties are charged at specific rates per unit quantity. |
| Hydrocarbon oil | Duties are charged at specific rates per unit quantity. |
| Methyl alcohol | Duties are charged at specific rates per unit quantity. |
For more information on dutiable commodities, please visit the following webpages:
• Types and Duty Rates
• Licence and Permit Application
Prohibited Articles
Certain goods are subject to import / export control in Hong Kong. Prohibited articles are goods the import, export or transit of which are prohibited or controlled under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Any persons importing or exporting these prohibited articles must apply for licences, permits or certificates from the Government Departments concerned in advance and are subject to the conditions imposed thereof.
For the list of prohibited articles and related information, please visit the following webpages:
• Controlled Imports
• Controlled Exports
Hong Kong Origin
In general, goods are regarded as of Hong Kong origin if:
1. they are natural products of Hong Kong; or
2. they have undergone manufacturing processes in Hong Kong which have changed permanently and substantially the shape, nature, form or utility of the basic materials used in manufacture.
For specific products, the detailed origin criteria and the corresponding principal manufacturing processes for specific products are set out in the Trade and Industry Department’s website.
The certification system in Hong Kong is to facilitate local products to be exported outside Hong Kong by certifying their origins. Traders can apply for different types of Certificate of Origin (CO) that best suit their business needs:
1. Certificate of Hong Kong Origin
2. Certificate of Origin – Processing
3. Certificate of Origin – CEPA
4. Certificate of Origin – New Zealand
5. Certificate of Origin – Georgia
6. Certificate of Origin – Form A
Traders can lodge their CO applications with the Trade and Industry Department and the five Government Approved Certification Organisations (GACOs).
| GACO | Contact Information |
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce | Website: www.chamber.org.hk/ |
| The Federation of Hong Kong Industries | Website: www.industryhk.org/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2396 3318 Email: fhki@fhki.org.hk |
| The Indian Chamber of Commerce | Website: www.icchk.org.hk/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2525 0138 Email: indcham@icchk.org.hk |
| The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong | Website: www.cma.org.hk/en/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2545 6166 Email: info@cma.org.hk |
| The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce | Website: www.cgcc.org.hk/en/ Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2526 0623 Email: cgcc@cgcc.org.hk |
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