carriers

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 -

fails to retain any imported strategic commodities before an import licence is produced to him; or
accepts any strategic commodities for export without receiving an export licence; or
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

Further Questions