Carriers

Strategic Trade Control in Hong Kong

• According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60) and the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations (Cap. 60 sub. leg. G), import, export and transhipment of strategic commodities are subject to licensing control in Hong Kong.  The transit of “more sensitive” items also requires import and export licences.
• Under the Import and Export Ordinance, it is an offence if the carrier -

1. fails to retain any imported strategic commodities before an import licence is produced to him; or
2. accepts any strategic commodities for export without receiving an export licence; or
3. fails to deliver the import or export licences together with a copy or extract of the relevant manifest to the Trade and Industry Department within the specified time.

 Responsibilities of Carriers

• Carriers should ensure that strategic commodities are properly covered by valid licences.
• Carriers should receive from importers valid import licences before releasing the goods concerned.
• Carriers should accept licensable goods for export only after obtaining from the exporters valid export licences.
• Carriers should return import/export licences to the Trade and Industry Department together with a copy or extract of the relevant manifest after the release/shipment of the goods concerned.

 Things to be aware of

• What is being shipped ?
  • Ask your customers.  Ensure that strategic commodities are properly covered by a licence.
• Why are strategic commodities shipped not covered by a licence ?
  • Not to release/accept the goods until valid licences are provided.
• When to return import/export licences ?
  • Ensure that import/ export licences together with a copy or extract of the relevant manifest are returned to the Trade and Industry Department within 14 days after importation/ exportation of goods.
  • For the details of manifest requirements, please see the relevant page at : https://www.tid.gov.hk/english/import_export/manifest/manifest_delivery.html

 Useful Reference

• Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60
• Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations, Cap. 60G
• Check Control Status of Common Dual-Use Product
• Check Licences Approved Under Approval-in-Principle Arrangement for Bulk Users of Strategic Commodities Licensing Service by Carriers
• Samples of:
  • Import Licence (Strategic Commodities)
  • Export Licence (Strategic Commodities)
  • “No Licence Required” Notification (for import)
  • “No Licence Required” Notification (for export)
  • Pre-classification Result

 Further Questions

• For Import/Export Licensing: 2398 5575
• For Technical Assessment: 2398 5587
• E-mail: stc@tid.gov.hk