Importation and Exportations Restrictions in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong is one of the free ports that does not have many restrictions on the importation and exportation of goods. Any individual or company in Hong Kong is permitted to carry out the importation and exportation of goods or commodities. The companies that are set up by the mainland enterprise in Hong Kong also have the same rights. However, they should first comply with some laid down standards and procedures for doing so.

Certificate of Origin

The origin certification in Hong Kong is beneficial in facilitating exportation in Hong Kong. The system aids in establishing the origin of Hong Kong exports to help in meeting the requirements of other overseas importation authorities. It is a requirement that any product that is manufactured, processed, or produced within the territories of Hong Kong be authorized by the Director-General of Trade by issuing of certification as regulated by the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap.60). The shipping companies, airlines, and transportation are expected to deliver relevant licenses to the trade and industry department within 14 working days after the importation or exportation.

To facilitate the exportation process from Hong Kong, the government operates by the issuance of a certification system on the origin of the goods or commodities that are about to be sent abroad. The inspection is useful in ensuring that the imported commodities meet the overseas importing authorities. However, the importation process does not require a certificate of origin.

Some countries like China, New Zealand, and the European Free Trade Association have signed a free trade agreement with Hong Kong. A new deal has also been forged between Hong Kong and the Association of Southern Asia Nations (ASEAN), and the negotiations are still underway between Hong Kong and Australia. The signed agreement implies that Hong Kong’s exportation to these states could enjoy preferential tariff treatment if they met specific rules of origin.

Hong Kong’s Importation Regulations and Rules

Like with the case of any other state, Hong Kong equally has certain products that are prohibited. The restrictions are usually done for legality and safety reasons. Since the importation process into Hong Kong is relatively easier compared to other countries that are not port-free states,

there are certain goods prohibited and thus, not allowed into the country via air transshipment. Some of these commodities include:

1. Dutiable goods like alcoholic liquors and tobacco
2. Medicinal drugs
3. Pharmaceutical products
4. Radio communication transmitting apparatus
5. Pesticides
6. Foods and other coloring matter, including preservatives and beverages.

The list might change, and therefore it is essential to first confirm with the relevant authorities on the product that you are about to import into the territories of Hong Kong.

Taxation duties of Hong Kong

Whether you are a private individual or a commercial entity group, you are required to pay import duty and taxes when importing goods into the country. The importation valuation cost is dependent on:

• The price of the goods or products that are about to be imported
• The insurance cost
• The freight cost and
• The sales tax that is subjected to the imports.

All the products imported into the country must be subjected to the tax and duties, and there is no minimum value under which a tax or duty does not apply. Otherwise, the duties are collected by the customs. The Importation Regulations are dynamic and might change with time. It is, therefore, essential to double-check with us if the goods or commodities that you are about to import is permitted in Hong Kong or not. The importance of double-checking is to help you save on time and get the most recent list of items and conditions or requirements for the importation process.

Licensing

Hong Kong’s Strategic Commodities Control System requires that all the Hong Kong companies that are willing to venture into exportation or importation to have the licenses that permit them to do so. Goods like chemicals or military equipment require licensing for them to be imported or exported. Goods in transit, if they do not leave the vehicle, they are being transported in, are exempt from the license requirement.

Anyone who fails to complete the necessary customs clearance as stipulated by the importation and exportation acts defined by the ministry of trade and industry or who intentionally gives false information is considered to break the law and be liable for charging or subjected to a penalty.

Further, any delay in the documentation if the total cost of goods is over HKD 20,000 could attract a fine of up to HKD 40-200 per item declaration. On the other hand, willingly giving false information makes someone at risk of being fined at least HKD10, 000. Heavier breaches may make an individual to be imprisoned or subjected to administrative actions like revocation of license or suspension from carrying out business in Hong Kong.

Conclusion

The process of importation and exportation of goods and commodities into and out of Hong Kong requires that those who are doing so meet certain conditions, as discussed above. However, the conditions might still vary depending on the requirements that are set by the Hong Kong authorities at a given moment. The Ministry of Trade and Industry regulates the importation and exportation trade. Besides the prohibited items, it is essential to have relevant licensing and documents to permit an individual to engage in the process smoothly. Therefore, to have a better relationship with the relevant authorities regulating the process, it is essential to ensure that you are on the same page and have complied with all the requirements and expectations of such authorities. Exportation requires that one have a certificate of origin while importation requires that an individual only imports the permitted items into the territories of Hong Kong. Since the conditions and the prohibited items might be reviewed anytime, it is thus important to confirm with us through our consultation services to ascertain that the products you are about to import meet the standards are allowed in the country.

Nonetheless, the good news is that Hong Kong does not put restrictions on the importation of most normal foods into the country. If you are not importing animals or products that are made from animals or plants other normal foods are not restricted.