Trade Single Window - FAQ

Under Section 2 of the Pesticides Ordinance (PO), Cap. 133 of Laws of Hong Kong, “pesticide” means –

1. any insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, acaricide or any substance (whether organic or inorganic) or mixture of substances used or intended to be used for preventing, destroying, repelling, attracting, inhibiting or controlling any insect, rodent, bird, nematode, bacterium, fungus, weed or other form of plant or animal life or any virus, which is a pest; or
2. any substance or mixture of substances used or intended to be used as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant,
   but does not include –
   
   1. any purely mechanical device for trapping or catching insects, rodents or other animals;
   2. any purely electromagnetic or ultrasonic device for the control of mosquitoes, rodents or other pests;
   3. any antiseptic, disinfecting solution or preparation in clinical or sanitary applications that is neither specified in Schedule 1 nor in Part 1 of Schedule 2;
   4. any pharmaceutical product within the meaning of section 2 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138 of Laws of Hong Kong); and
   5. any insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, acaricide or any substance (whether organic or inorganic) or mixture of substances described in paragraph (a) or (b),
      if–
      
      1. it is neither specified in Schedule 1 nor in Part 1 of Schedule 2;
      2. it is contained in an individual package or container and does not exceed 10 g or 10 mL; and
      3. it is used or intended to be used indoors–
         1. for laboratory research;
         2. for chemical analysis; or
         3. as a reference standard.

Under the Pesticides Ordinance (PO), registered pesticides may only be imported by a holder of a Pesticides Licence, and scheduled pesticides or any other unregistered pesticides may only be imported or possessed by a holder of a Pesticides Permit issued in respect of pesticides specified therein.

In addition, each shipment of registered pesticides, scheduled pesticides or any other unregistered pesticides entering/leaving Hong Kong must also be covered by an Import/Export Licence issued under the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 of Laws of Hong Kong. All Import/Export Licences, with the exception of those covering methyl bromide, are issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) under delegation from the Trade and Industry Department. Import/Export Licences for methyl bromide are issued directly by the Director-General of Trade and Industry.

For the lists of registered pesticides and scheduled pesticides, please refer to the website of AFCD.

Pesticides which are not scheduled pesticides and are transhipped in Hong Kong on a valid through bill of lading or air waybill are exempted from the control of the Pesticides Ordinance but both Import Licence and Export Licence under the Import and Export Ordinance are required.

An Import/Export Licence under IEO is not required when–

• A pesticide is in transit (which is brought in to Hong Kong solely for the purpose of taking it out of Hong Kong and remains at all times in or on the vessel or aircraft in or on which it is brought into Hong Kong); or
• A pesticide is air transhipment cargo (which is both imported and consigned for export in an aircraft and which, during the period between its import and export, remains within the cargo transhipment area of Hong Kong International Airport).

An Import Licence for pesticides is valid for six months from the date of issue, whereas an Export Licence for pesticides is valid for 28 days from the date of issue.

For enquiry, please contact the Plant and Pesticides Regulatory Division of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at –

Tel: 2150 7007
E-mail: pestlic@afcd.gov.hk

For enquiry, please contact

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Endangered Species Protection Division (Animal Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6973
Endangered Species Protection Division (Plant Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6967
E-mail: hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk

In Hong Kong, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES. Under the Ordinance, import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of endangered species, whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives, requires a licence which must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Ordinance also provides exemptions for certain specimens of species.

To find out whether an animal or plant is a controlled species, you can check the Schedules 1 to Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, or the Appendices of CITES. You may also check the regulation status of species using their scientific name on Species+ (http://speciesplus.net).

Some items (e.g. handbag) may contain both CITESitems and non-CITES items to which a "Re-export Certificate for Species of non-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or not yet Controlled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)" is required on top of a "Licence to Export / Re-export for Endangered Species" together. In such case, you can use combined application to apply for both the certificate and licence in one go.

You cannot change the application once the application is submitted through TSW. For any changes, please contact the Endangered Species Protection Division at 2150 6973 or hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk.

You can upload a file that contains an image of the marking numbers in the "Supporting Documents" section. Once the marking numbers are processed by AFCD officers, the application will be sent back to you as a new revision. You can then confirm the marking numbers and endorse the revised application.

The standard procedure is to apply for a Special Permit for the living animal first. The application will be reviewed by AFCD and in case the living animal is an endangered species, a notification will be sent to you, informing you to apply for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species". When applying for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species", you will be required to provide the Animal Application Reference Number.

No, only paper licence are available.

File format: jpg, jpeg, png, pdf only.
Maximum total upload file size: 25MB

You cannot cancel an issued licence through TSW. To cancel an issued licence, you should return the original paper licence to AFCD.

Yes, you can apply multiple identical licences by filling in the quantity of licence during application.

You can download an excel template from section of “Upload Specimen Details” under “Part 4 –Details”. In the excel, there is a "sample" tab for your reference. Fill in the data field of "specimens" tab. After you fill in the excel, you can upload it through the upload file button. Details of all specimens in the excel will then be loaded to the application page.

For enquiry, please contact

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Endangered Species Protection Division (Animal Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6973
Endangered Species Protection Division (Plant Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6967
E-mail: hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk

In Hong Kong, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES. Under the Ordinance, import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of endangered species, whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives, requires a licence which must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Ordinance also provides exemptions for certain specimens of species.

To find out whether an animal or plant is a controlled species, you can check the Schedules 1 to Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, or the Appendices of CITES. You may also check the regulation status of species using their scientific name on Species+ (http://speciesplus.net).

Some items (e.g. handbag) may contain both CITESitems and non-CITES items to which a "Re-export Certificate for Species of non-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or not yet Controlled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)" is required on top of a "Licence to Export / Re-export for Endangered Species" together. In such case, you can use combined application to apply for both the certificate and licence in one go.

You cannot change the application once the application is submitted through TSW. For any changes, please contact the Endangered Species Protection Division at 2150 6973 or hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk.

You can upload a file that contains an image of the marking numbers in the "Supporting Documents" section. Once the marking numbers are processed by AFCD officers, the application will be sent back to you as a new revision. You can then confirm the marking numbers and endorse the revised application.

The standard procedure is to apply for a Special Permit for the living animal first. The application will be reviewed by AFCD and in case the living animal is an endangered species, a notification will be sent to you, informing you to apply for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species". When applying for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species", you will be required to provide the Animal Application Reference Number.

No, only paper licence are available.

File format: jpg, jpeg, png, pdf only.
Maximum total upload file size: 25MB

You cannot cancel an issued licence through TSW. To cancel an issued licence, you should return the original paper licence to AFCD.

Yes, you can apply multiple identical licences by filling in the quantity of licence during application.

You can download an excel template from section of “Upload Specimen Details” under “Part 4 –Details”. In the excel, there is a "sample" tab for your reference. Fill in the data field of "specimens" tab. After you fill in the excel, you can upload it through the upload file button. Details of all specimens in the excel will then be loaded to the application page.

Yes, your dog/cat will be subject to 4-month quarantine at our quarantine centre upon arrival in Hong Kong after visiting Mainland China. Before coming back to Hong Kong, please obtain an Import Permit and reserve the quarantine space in advance. Dog/cat will be released from quarantine under the condition that it has no clinical signs of rabies and the quarantine fee has been settled.

Importation of live breeding pigs is regulated under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, Cap. 139 and the Rabies Ordinance, Cap. 421. Importers must apply for a permit well in advance from this Department before importation. The importer must be a locally based person or a company incorporated in Hong Kong who shall take every precautionary measure to ensure that all permit terms are fully complied with. The permit is valid for 6 months and for one consignment.
Keeping of pigs in Hong Kong requires a licence issued by this Department. Such import shall only be considered if the importer has a satisfactory breeding farm in Hong Kong. As post-arrival quarantine is also required, the suitability of the farm for post-arrival quarantine needs to be assessed by officers of this Department before the issue of the import permit.

Section 11 of the Rabies Regulation, Cap. 421, stipulates that no person shall import into Hong Kong any animal, carcass or animal product except a permit issued by this Department is obtained well in advance.
Under this Ordinance, "animals" means all members of the class mammalia (mammals) except human beings; "Animal Products" means parts or derivatives of a dog, a cat (e.g. dog skin, canine semen, canine plasma, etc.) or any animal that has been infected with rabies and "carcasses" includes the carcass of a dog or cat, the carcass of any animal that has died on the journey to Hong Kong or the undressed carcass of any animal.

For enquiry, please contact the Plant and Pesticides Regulatory Division of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at –

Tel: 2150 7000
E-mail: plantlic@afcd.gov.hk

Under the Plant (Importation and Pest Control) Ordinance (Cap. 207), it is illegal to import plants, plant pests or soil into Hong Kong without a valid Plant Import Licence/Authorization issued in advance by the AFCD. However, cut flowers, vegetables/fruits/seeds for consumption, plants and soil produced in and imported from any place in China outside Hong Kong are exempted from the requirement.

As the plant intended to be imported is with peat moss, you are required to apply for a Plant Import Licence and an Authorization from the AFCD prior to your departure. You are also required to apply for a Phytosanitary Certificate from the plant quarantine authority of Australia before returning to Hong Kong. In addition, as cacti are endangered plants under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), an export permit issued under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by the Australian CITES authority is required. Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to apply in advance for licences of endangered species issued by the AFCD.

Before importing Lilium bulbs, you are required to apply for a Plant Import Licence from the AFCD. The bulbs, upon landing in Hong Kong, must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the plant quarantine authority of the Netherlands. For importation of flower seeds, only a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Netherlands is required. Please note that only Phytosanitary Certificates issued not more than 14 days prior to the date of the export will be accepted as valid documents. After arrival in Hong Kong, you should submit all the required documents to the customs officers or staff of the AFCD for clearance. The bulbs must be inspected to the satisfaction of the AFCD before entering Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Endangered Species Protection Division (Animal Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6973
Endangered Species Protection Division (Plant Licensing Unit)
Tel: 2150 6967
E-mail: hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk

In Hong Kong, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES. Under the Ordinance, import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of endangered species, whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives, requires a licence which must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Ordinance also provides exemptions for certain specimens of species.

To find out whether an animal or plant is a controlled species, you can check the Schedules 1 to Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, or the Appendices of CITES. You may also check the regulation status of species using their scientific name on Species+ (http://speciesplus.net).

Some items (e.g. handbag) may contain both CITESitems and non-CITES items to which a "Re-export Certificate for Species of non-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or not yet Controlled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)" is required on top of a "Licence to Export / Re-export for Endangered Species" together. In such case, you can use combined application to apply for both the certificate and licence in one go.

You cannot change the application once the application is submitted through TSW. For any changes, please contact the Endangered Species Protection Division at 2150 6973 or hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk.

You can upload a file that contains an image of the marking numbers in the "Supporting Documents" section. Once the marking numbers are processed by AFCD officers, the application will be sent back to you as a new revision. You can then confirm the marking numbers and endorse the revised application.

The standard procedure is to apply for a Special Permit for the living animal first. The application will be reviewed by AFCD and in case the living animal is an endangered species, a notification will be sent to you, informing you to apply for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species". When applying for the "Licence to Import for Endangered Species", you will be required to provide the Animal Application Reference Number.

No, only paper licence are available.

File format: jpg, jpeg, png, pdf only.
Maximum total upload file size: 25MB

You cannot cancel an issued licence through TSW. To cancel an issued licence, you should return the original paper licence to AFCD.

Yes, you can apply multiple identical licences by filling in the quantity of licence during application.

You can download an excel template from section of “Upload Specimen Details” under “Part 4 –Details”. In the excel, there is a "sample" tab for your reference. Fill in the data field of "specimens" tab. After you fill in the excel, you can upload it through the upload file button. Details of all specimens in the excel will then be loaded to the application page.

According to Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance Cap. 139, and the Rabies Ordinance Cap. 421, any person must obtain a Special Permit from this Department in advance before importing animals from the overseas to Hong Kong. For application procedure, please refer to the link:
https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab.html

According to Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance Cap. 139, any person must obtain a Special Permit from this Department in advance before importing birds from the overseas to Hong Kong.
Due to the recent avian influenza outbreaks in a number of countries/places, temporary suspension was imposed on the import of live poultry and birds from the some countries/places. Details please refer to the link:
https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab_ibpo/qua_ie_ipab_ibpo.html

Once the permit issued, it is valid for 6 months and for one consignment only. Animals must be imported on or before the expiry date of the permit.

Yes, your dog/cat will be subject to 4-month quarantine at our quarantine centre upon arrival in Hong Kong after visiting a group III country. Before coming back to Hong Kong, please obtain an Import Permit and reserve the quarantine space in advance. Dog/cat will be released from quarantine under the condition that it has no clinical signs of rabies and the quarantine fee has been settled.

Yes. Fighting dogs listed in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, Cap. 167, sub Leg. D, of the type known as the Pit Bull Terrier (also known as the American Staffordshire Terrier), the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero and any dog of their crossbreeds are prohibited to be imported / transhipped. In the case of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a statutory declaration must be submitted with the application.

Bengal cats must not be imported / transhipped unless documentation certifying that the cat is of 5th or above 5th generation.

Animals should not be brought into Hong Kong (either import or transshipment/transit) unless a Special Permit to do so is obtained in advance from this Department.
If the animals are imported for trading purpose, applicants must obtain an Animal Trader License in advance.
Reptile is a diverse group of animals and each species has different characteristics.
Prior assessment will be conducted before considering the issuance of permit for its import. The major factors we will take into account are: level of domestication of the species, risk of diseases introduction, animal welfare, public safety, ecological impact and etc.
Please email us the scientific name of the species before submitting the application. Additional information may be required for further consideration.

For enquiry, please contact the Fisheries Management Division of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at –

Tel: 2150 6634
E-mail: ccamlr@afcd.gov.hk

Any person, including the Importer or the Exporter is eligible to submit the application.

The period of validity is specified on Hong Kong Natural Sand Final User Certificate. Its validity will normally not exceed 30 calendar days.

If all the required information/documents are complete and valid, the Chief Engineer/Fill Management of the Civil Engineering and Development Department will issue the Final User Certificate to the Applicant. It normally takes 2 working days upon receiving all supporting documents which are complete and valid.

Under the Sand Ordinance (Cap. 147), a Sand Removal Permit is required from the Director of Civil Engineering and Development for the removal, transportation or importation of sand in excess of 100kg in Hong Kong. The Ordinance does not apply to sand produced by any quarrying operation or by the washing of other material so as to produce sand. Application for Sand Removal Permit should be submitted before the sand concerned entering the Hong Kong.

Any person, including the Importer or the Exporter is eligible to submit the application.

The period of validity is specified on Sand Removal Permit. Its validity will normally not exceed 30 calendar days.

If all the required information/documents are complete and valid, the Chief Engineer/Fill Management of the Civil Engineering and Development Department will issue the Sand Removal Permit to the Applicant. It normally takes 2 working days upon receiving all supporting documents which are complete and valid..

Under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (CCO), Cap. 145 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by a “Licence”. Besides, the importation or exportation of each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall also be covered by an “Authorization to Import Controlled Chemicals”/“Authorization to Export Controlled Chemicals”. While for transhipment via Hong Kong, each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals shall be covered by a “Permit to Remove Controlled Chemicals in Transhipment”. The Licence, Authorization and Permit are issued by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). For further information, please visit the website of C&ED and make reference to the leaflet.

In addition, under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), Cap. 60 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of pharmaceutical products and medicines into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by an “Import Licence”/“Export Licence” issued by Department of Health. Please click here for further information.

The trade documents involving Controlled Chemicals and/or pharmaceutical raw materials as specified in Schedules 1 - 3 of CCO currently available under Phase 1 of the TSW are listed as follows-

Import and export of pharmaceutical products/medicines other than that in items (4) - (5) above are not currently covered in Phase 1 of TSW, please refer to Drug Office, Department of Health website.

For enquiry, please contact

Controlled Chemicals and Support Division of the Customs and Excise Department
Tel: 2541 4383
E-mail: cedcdibccsd@customs.gov.hk

Drug Office of the Department of Health,
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division
Tel: 3974 4180
E-mail: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

According to the Notice No. 54 of 2011 promulgated by the General Administration of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China (“the Mainland Customs”), with effect from 1.9.2011, the Mainland Customs has enhanced the control measures on the import of the frozen chicken products transhipped to the Mainland through Hong Kong. The Mainland consignees or their agents, apart from submitting the required documents for the import of Non-US frozen chicken products through Hong Kong, are also required to provide a certificate issued by Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for Mainland Customs clearance. The requirement aimed at confirming that the relevant products had not been tampered with during the transhipment period in Hong Kong.

In order to facilitate local traders to meet the requirement for the enhanced control measure imposed by the Mainland Customs when transhipping Non-US frozen chicken products to the Mainland through Hong Kong, C&ED would provide transhipment certification for these products by issuing the Certification for Customs clearance in the Mainland.

For transhipment cargo without vanning or devanning in Hong Kong
Application shall be submitted, together with relevant supporting documents, two clear working days prior to the shipment arrival.

For re-export cargo with vanning or devanning in Hong Kong
Application shall be submitted, together with relevant supporting documents, two clear working days prior to the shipment departure.

Note: Working days exclude Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

The Customs and Excise Department will confirm with the applicant on the date, time and place for applying Customs seals.

For transhipment cargo without vanning/devanning in Hong Kong, the applicant shall ensure that the original container seal remain intact before the application of Customs seal.

For re-export cargo with vanning/devanning in Hong Kong, the applicant shall ensure that the original container seal remain intact before the monitoring for vanning/devanning by C&ED officers.

Pursuant to the Cross-boundary Movement of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Ordinance, Chapter 629, Laws of Hong Kong (the Ordinance), an advance electronic declaration must be made to the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) via the CDS for importing or exporting on a cross-boundary conveyance a large quantity of CBNIs (i.e. CBNIs of a total value of more than HKD120,000) as cargo in one batch. Please refer to the website of C&ED and FAQs for more information about the declaration requirements.

A Registered User of TSW with a valid digital certificate issued by the recognized certification authority or “iAM Smart+” can access to the CDS through single sign-on from TSW upon successful service subscription and link-up with the CDS in TSW.

To enjoy single sign-on after service subscription of the CDS, a Registered User of TSW is required to establish link-up with a valid digital certificate issued by the recognized certification authorities or “iAM Smart+”, of which the identity information must be the same as the TSW account. The linked digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” must be used for digital signing when processing declarations in the CDS.

Please click this link for more information about the recognized certification authorities in Hong Kong and this link for more information about “iAM Smart+”.

A TSW user with a Company/Organisation Account has to use an organisational digital certificate to link-up with the CDS service; while an Individual Account can either use a personal digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” for link-up. The identity information of the digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” must be the same as the TSW account.

The TSW account will be under restricted state when the user requests for profile change. Depending on whether the type of information being changed is essential for the purpose of link-up with the CDS (i.e. identity information), the user may not be able to perform link-up with the CDS or process declarations in the CDS until the TSW account resumes to normal state after the approval for change is granted by the Office of Single Window Operation. The user is also required to ensure the identity information of his/her digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” is tallied with the updated TSW account for re-accessing to the CDS. If there is any difficulty in accessing the CDS via TSW, declarations can be made directly through the CDS with a valid digital certificate or “iAM Smart+”.

In order to establish a new link-up with CDS service by using a renewed digital certificate, you have to take the following steps:

1. Login to TSW
2. Click “Subscription” on the top navigation menu
3. Click “My subscriptions”, unsubscribe from “D03 Declaration Form for Cross-boundary Transportation of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNIs)”
4. Click “Subscribe now”, subscribe to “D03 Declaration Form for Cross-boundary Transportation of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNIs)”
5. Use your new digital certificate to link-up with CDS service

The link-up between your TSW account and the CDS will be de-linked automatically when the user unsubscribes from CDS service in TSW. To access the CDS via TSW again, the user has to subscribe to CDS service and establish a new link-up with his/her TSW account by using a valid digital certificate issued by the recognized certification authorities or “iAM Smart+”, of which the identity information must be the same as the TSW account. The linked digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” must be used for digital signing when processing declarations in the CDS.

The link-up between your TSW account and the CDS will be de-linked automatically upon expiry of the digital certificate. To access the CDS via TSW again, the user has to establish a new link-up with his/her TSW account by using a valid digital certificate issued by the recognized certification authorities or “iAM Smart+”, of which the identity information must be the same as the TSW account. The linked digital certificate or “iAM Smart+” must be used for digital signing when processing declarations in the CDS.

For enquiry, please contact Financial Intelligence Coordination Division of the Customs and Excise Department at –

Tel: 3759 3184
E-mail: customs_ficd_cfib@customs.gov.hk

All goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, Chapter 109, Laws of Hong Kong applies, including:

• hydrocarbon oils;
• liquors (except wine and liquors with an alcoholic strength of not more than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20°C);
• methyl alcohol; and
• tobacco

being imported or exported, should be declared in the import and export statement. Separate statements shall be furnished in respect of each class of dutiable goods.

Yes, an import or export statement is required for every import or export shipment. If an import / export shipment does not carry any dutiable commodities, a statement that no such goods are carried onboard is required.

Any person, who imports or exports ODMRE, must apply for an import or export licence. Application can be made through the Trade Single Window. For details of the requirement, please visit the website of Customs and Excise Department.

At present, the import or export of optical discs, including VCD and CD-R, is not subject to any control. Nevertheless, an importer or exporter must lodge the trade declaration required under the Import and Export Ordinance.

For enquiry, please contact the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs and Excise Department at –

Tel: 2851 1625
E-mail: customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk

Under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (CCO), Cap. 145 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by a “Licence”. Besides, the importation or exportation of each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall also be covered by an “Authorization to Import Controlled Chemicals”/“Authorization to Export Controlled Chemicals”. While for transhipment via Hong Kong, each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals shall be covered by a “Permit to Remove Controlled Chemicals in Transhipment”. The Licence, Authorization and Permit are issued by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). For further information, please visit the website of C&ED and make reference to the leaflet.

In addition, under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), Cap. 60 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of pharmaceutical products and medicines into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by an “Import Licence”/“Export Licence” issued by Department of Health. Please click here for further information.

The trade documents involving Controlled Chemicals and/or pharmaceutical raw materials as specified in Schedules 1 - 3 of CCO currently available under Phase 1 of the TSW are listed as follows-

Import and export of pharmaceutical products/medicines other than that in items (4) - (5) above are not currently covered in Phase 1 of TSW, please refer to Drug Office, Department of Health website.

For enquiry, please contact

Controlled Chemicals and Support Division of the Customs and Excise Department
Tel: 2541 4383
E-mail: cedcdibccsd@customs.gov.hk

Drug Office of the Department of Health,
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division
Tel: 3974 4180
E-mail: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

Any person, who makes transshipment of ODMRE, must apply for the Transhipment Notification. Application can be made through the Trade Single Window. For details of the requirement, please visit the website of Customs and Excise Department.

At present, the import or export of optical discs, including VCD and CD-R, is not subject to any control. Nevertheless, an importer or exporter must lodge the trade declaration required under the Import and Export Ordinance.

For enquiry, please contact the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs and Excise Department at –

Tel: 2851 1625
E-mail: customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk

Under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (CCO), Cap. 145 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by a “Licence”. Besides, the importation or exportation of each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals into/from Hong Kong shall also be covered by an “Authorization to Import Controlled Chemicals”/“Authorization to Export Controlled Chemicals”. While for transhipment via Hong Kong, each shipment (goods/articles) of controlled chemicals shall be covered by a “Permit to Remove Controlled Chemicals in Transhipment”. The Licence, Authorization and Permit are issued by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). For further information, please visit the website of C&ED and make reference to the leaflet.

In addition, under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), Cap. 60 of Laws of Hong Kong, the importation or exportation of pharmaceutical products and medicines into/from Hong Kong shall be covered by an “Import Licence”/“Export Licence” issued by Department of Health. Please click here for further information.

The trade documents involving Controlled Chemicals and/or pharmaceutical raw materials as specified in Schedules 1 - 3 of CCO currently available under Phase 1 of the TSW are listed as follows-

Import and export of pharmaceutical products/medicines other than that in items (4) - (5) above are not currently covered in Phase 1 of TSW, please refer to Drug Office, Department of Health website.

For enquiry, please contact

Controlled Chemicals and Support Division of the Customs and Excise Department
Tel: 2541 4383
E-mail: cedcdibccsd@customs.gov.hk

Drug Office of the Department of Health,
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division
Tel: 3974 4180
E-mail: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

Dangerous drug means any of the drugs or substances specified in Part I of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134 of Laws of Hong Kong.

You are advised to refer to guidelines and information from the website of Drug Office.

For enquiry, please contact -
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division,
Drug Office, Department of Health
Tel: 3974 4180
Email: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

For enquiry, please contact

Radiation Health Division, Department of Health
Tel: 3620 3814
Email: rhd-import@dh.gov.hk

Under the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations (Subsidiary legislation under Cap. 60 of the Laws of Hong Kong), import of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus are required to be under and in accordance with valid import licences issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry.

Export of these products are, however, not subject to licensing control.

The Customs and Excise Department will check whether radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus are imported under and in accordance with a licence. Any person who contravenes the licensing requirements may be prosecuted and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment of one year. In addition, the Trade and Industry Department may take administrative action, independent and irrespective of legal action mentioned above, against the parties to a licence.

Please visit the Trade and Industry Department web page for further information.

If an article is radioactive substance or irradiating apparatus according to the following definitions, import of the article requires Import Licence for Radioactive Substances and Irradiating Apparatus.

Radioactive substance means any substance which consists of or contains any radioactive chemical element whether natural or artificial and whose specific activity exceeds 75 bequerels of parent radioactive chemical element per gram of substance.

Irradiating apparatus means any apparatus which—
(a) is intended to produce or emit ionizing radiation; or
(b) is capable of producing or emitting ionizing radiation at a dose rate exceeding 5 µSv per hour at a distance of 5 cm from any accessible point of the surface of the apparatus;

Dangerous drug means any of the drugs or substances specified in Part I of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134 of Laws of Hong Kong.

You are advised to refer to guidelines and information from the website of Drug Office.

For enquiry, please contact -
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division,
Drug Office, Department of Health
Tel: 3974 4180
Email: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap. 138, pharmaceutical product—

1. means a substance or combination of substances that—
   1. is presented as having properties for treating or preventing disease in human beings or animals; or
   2. may be used in or administered to human beings or animals with a view to—
      1. restoring, correcting or modifying physiological functions by exerting a pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action; or
      2. making a medical diagnosis; and
2. includes an advanced therapy product.

You are advised to refer to guidelines and information from the website of Drug Office.

For enquiry, please contact -
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division,
Drug Office, Department of Health
Tel: 3974 4180
Email: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

According to the Import and Export (General) Regulations (Cap. 60, Sub. Legislation A), the import/export of Chinese herbal medicines specified in Schedule 1 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Chaper 549) (“the Ordinance”), 5 types of Chinese herbal medicines specified in Schedule 2 of “the Ordinance" (namely, Flos Campsis（凌霄花）；processed Radix Aconiti（製川烏）；processed Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii（製草烏）；Radix Clematidis（威靈仙）and Radix Gentianae（龍膽）) are subject to import/export controls. Anyone who imports/exports the above-mentioned Chinese herbal medicines or their single Chinese medicine granules for prescription must apply for the relevant import/export licence from the Department of Health in advance.

An import licence for Chinese herbal medicines is valid for six months from the date of issue, whereas an export licence for Chinese herbal medicines is valid for twenty-eight days from the date of issue.

Please refer to the website of the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the Department of Health and FAQ of the website of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for details.
For enquiry, please contact:
Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office, Department of Health
Import and Export Control Team
Tel: 3904 9230
Email: cmro@dh.gov.hk

According to the Import and Export (General) Regulations (Chapter 60, Sub. Legislation A), the import/export of proprietary Chinese medicines as defined in the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Chapter 549) is subject to import/export controls. Anyone who imports/exports proprietary Chinese medicines must apply for the relevant import/export licence from the Department of Health in advance.

An import licence for proprietary Chinese medicines is valid for six months from the date of issue, whereas an export licence for proprietary Chinese medicines is valid for twenty-eight days from the date of issue.

Please refer to the website of the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the Department of Health and FAQ of the website of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for details.
For enquiry, please contact:
Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office, Department of Health
Import and Export Control Team
Tel: 3904 9230
Email: cmro@dh.gov.hk

For enquiry, please contact

Port Health Division (Head Office), Department of Health
Tel: 3904 9316
Email: gr_ph@dh.gov.hk

Dangerous drug means any of the drugs or substances specified in Part I of the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134 of Laws of Hong Kong.

You are advised to refer to guidelines and information from the website of Drug Office.

For enquiry, please contact -
Drug Evaluation and Import/Export Control Division,
Drug Office, Department of Health
Tel: 3974 4180
Email: pharmgeneral@dh.gov.hk

Any person importing, exporting, transhipping or transiting a scheduled chemical must hold a valid activity-based import permit, export permit, transhipment and transit permits for that chemical issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) respectively. In addition, each consignment of scheduled chemicals entering/leaving Hong Kong must also be covered by a consignment-based import/export licence issued under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), Cap. 60 of Laws of Hong Kong.

Transit of Type 2 scheduled chemicals is not regulated under the HCCO.

1. Type 1 scheduled chemicals and
2. Type 2 scheduled chemicals.

The list of scheduled chemicals is available here.

The HCCO does not apply to a scheduled chemical if the chemical is a constituent element of a manufactured product, except when the chemical is polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and when its concentration as a constituent element of a manufactured product exceeds 0.005 per cent (or 50 ppm) and its volume exceeds 0.05 litre.

1. A valid activity-based import permit, export permit or transhipment and transit permits under the Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance; and
2. Evidence of explicit consent from export and import countries or regions, as appropriate.

The consignment-based import licence is generally valid for six months from the date of issue while the consignment-based export licence is generally valid for 28 days from the date of issue.

EPD will diligently process an application upon receipt. However, the actual processing time of an application will depend on the number of applications being processed and the availability of information of individual applications. Applicants are required to submit the completed application form and all relevant information not less than two clear working days before the shipment arrival/departure.

For further information about the HCCO, please visit the EPD’s website.

For enquiry, please contact the Territorial Control Office of the Environmental Protection Department at –

Tel.: 3107 2981
E-mail:hcco@epd.gov.hk

The Food Inspection Certificate is a trade facilitation measure for food exports to other countries/places. It is not a mandatory requirement for export of foods from Hong Kong. For details, please refer to the Guide to Application for Food Inspection Certificate.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

If you need to provide a certificate to the relevant authority of the importing country/place to certify that your export products meet the veterinary health requirements imposed by the importing country/place, you can apply for a Health Certificate for Foods of Animals Origin from the CFS. Please note that your export products must contain ingredients of animal origin and must be manufactured by a licensed food factory in Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5428
E-mail: vphadmin@fehd.gov.hk

If you are going to import frozen or chilled beef, mutton, pork and poultry in Hong Kong, you should obtain in advance an import licence from the CFS under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60). For details, please refer to the Guide to Import of Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs into Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2156 3012
E-mail: fso_enquiry@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC) and the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), milk and frozen confections imported for sale must come from an approved source of manufacture. You have to obtain an import permission from the CFS before importing milk and frozen confections into Hong Kong.
For details, please refer to the Guide to Import Milk and Milk Beverages into Hong Kong and Guide to Import of Frozen Confections into Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2708 3031
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), milk and frozen confections imported for sale must come from an approved source of manufacture. You have to obtain an import permission from the CFS before importing milk into Hong Kong.
For details, please refer to the Guide to Import Milk and Milk Beverages into Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2708 3031
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the imported Game, Meat, Poutlry and Eggs Regualtions (Cap. 132AK), import of eggs requires prior permission of the CFS.
For details, please refer to the Guide to Import of Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs into Hong Kong.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Importer Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), import of the following food into Hong Kong requires prior permission of the CFS:

• Game;
• Prohibited meat; and
• Meat or poultry without a recognized health certificate.

• Issued by an issuing entity of the place of food origin;
• On which Hong Kong is stated as the place of food destination; and
• Recognized by the CFS.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Importer Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), import of the following food into Hong Kong requires prior permission of the CFS:

• Game;
• Prohibited meat; and
• Meat or poultry without a recognized health certificate.

• Issued by an issuing entity of the place of food origin;
• On which Hong Kong is stated as the place of food destination; and
• Recognized by the CFS.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Importer Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), import of the following food into Hong Kong requires prior permission of the CFS:

• Game;
• Prohibited meat; and
• Meat or poultry without a recognized health certificate.

• Issued by an issuing entity of the place of food origin;
• On which Hong Kong is stated as the place of food destination; and
• Recognized by the CFS.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk

Under the Importer Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), import of the following food into Hong Kong requires prior permission of the CFS:

• Game;
• Prohibited meat; and
• Meat or poultry without a recognized health certificate.

• Issued by an issuing entity of the place of food origin;
• On which Hong Kong is stated as the place of food destination; and
• Recognized by the CFS.

For enquiry, please contact

The Centre for Food Safety,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Tel: 2867 5577
E-mail: fsc@fehd.gov.hk