Strategic Trade Controls Circular No. 6/2022

Application for Delivery Verification Certificate ( DVC )

                           This circular informs the trade of the latest application procedures for Delivery Verification Certificate, and supersedes the previous Strategic Trade Controls Circular No. 3/2019.

The Strategic Trade Control System

2.                         The legal basis for strategic trade control in Hong Kong is the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60, Laws of Hong Kong) ("the Ordinance"). The Ordinance requires strategic commodities to be covered by import/export licences issued by the Trade and Industry Department ("TID") before they are imported into or exported from Hong Kong. Under the Ordinance, no person shall import or export strategic commodities, i.e. any article specified in the four Schedules to the Import and Export ( Strategic Commodities ) Regulations ( Cap. 60G, Laws of Hong Kong ) unless there is a valid licence issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry.

What is a DVC?

3.                        For the purpose of ascertaining the actual destination of specific types of strategic commodities exported, Hong Kong importers may be asked by overseas exporters ( who, in turn, are required by the concerned export licensing authorities ) to obtain a Delivery Verification Certificate ( "DVC" ) from the Hong Kong authorities as evidence that certain consignment of strategic commodities has arrived in Hong Kong. DVCs for strategic commodities are issued by the TID upon the request of Hong Kong importers. Traders, however, need not apply for DVCs unless they are so requested by overseas exporters.

How to apply for a DVC?

4.                        Applications for DVC should be made on a designated form [SC011] ( Annex A ) (fillable pdf format). This form is available at the Integrated Customer Service Centre ( “ICSC” ) at Room 1324, 13/F, Trade and Industry Tower, 3 Concorde Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong. It can also be downloaded from the Strategic Commodities Control System Website ( "SC Website" ) at https://www.stc.tid.gov.hk.

5.                        To support a DVC application, applicants should provide, in addition to the application forms, a copy of each of the following supporting documents relating to the consignment in question to the ICSC:

                          ( a ) bill of lading/master air waybill; and

                          ( b ) commercial invoice.

                          A numbered receipt will be issued for each DVC application.

6.                      Companies can also apply for DVCs electronically for import licences obtained through Trade Single Window (TSW) ^{( Note 1 )} or companies' E-Accounts on the SC Website ^{( Note 2 )}. After logging-in, application should be made under the option of "Apply for Delivery Verification Certificate" provided in the “E-Applications” menu ( at https://www.stc.tid.gov.hk  > Login Your E-Account > E-Applications > Delivery Verification Certificate ( under Part ( II ) Licence-related Application ) > Apply for Delivery Verification Certificate ).  E-applicants should complete the DVC Application and submit together with the supporting documents in paragraph 5(a) and (b) above. Alternatively, these supporting documents can be sent by fax ( fax no.: 2396 3070 ), by email ( email address: stc@tid.gov.hk ) or in person at the ICSC. 

7.                         Online payment via credit card or Faster Payment System (FPS) is acceptable for DVC applications submitted electronically as mentioned in para. 6 above.  Before submitting the electronic application, E-applicants will be required to select the payment method (in-person or online payment) and issue format of the DVC (paper or electronic certificate).  Please be reminded that the payment method and issue format cannot be changed once the application is submitted.  As for all E-Applications, E-applicant should follow the instructions to print out by themselves the numbered receipts for record and/or future collection of the approved DVCs.

8.                        To submit E-Applications, companies are required to register an E-Account on the SC Website or become “Linked-up” TSW users.

Issue of DVC

9.                           Unless there are complications, DVC applications are normally approved within 15 working days after receipt of all supporting documents.  A processing fee will be charged for the issue of a DVC.  Please check the fee table at the website of the TID for the updated processing fee ( https://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/fee/fee.html ).  Before collection, applicants are advised to check with the Strategic Trade Controls Branch ( telephone no.: 3403 6264 ) whether the application concerned has been approved and ready for collection.

10.                         For paper application or electronic application with in-person payment, the applicant must pay the fee in cash, cheque, through Easy Pay System ( EPS ) or FPS and collect the payment receipt at the Shroff and Form Sales Counter of the TID at Room 1309, 13/F, Trade and Industry Tower.  The applicant can then collect the relevant approved DVC in paper format by showing the payment receipt and the numbered receipt ( i.e. the receipt of application mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 7 above ). Please note that the TID will retain the numbered receipt after issuance of DVC. The payment receipt, however, will be returned to the applicant after verification 

11.                        For electronic application with online payment via the TID’s e-Payment Platform Portal, upon confirmation of successful payment, the E-applicant can –

1.                        obtain and print out the DVC ^{( Note 3 )} online from the E-Accounts on the SC Website; and/or
2.                        collect the DVC in paper format at the ICSC by presenting the receipt printed out from their E-Accounts.

12.                        TSW users subscribed and linked up “Strategic Commodities Import/Export Licence” service (“Linked-up Users”) can obtain and print the DVC from their E-accounts on the SC website or through the Trade Single Window, or collect the DVC in paper format at the ICSC by presenting the receipt printed out from their E-Accounts, regardless of whether they pay in person or online.

13.                         Specimen of an approved DVC is at Annex B.

Reminders

14.                         Applicant is required to declare on the DVC application that the consignment in question has actually arrived in Hong Kong and that details of the consignment given are true and correct. In this connection, applicants are reminded that provision of false or misleading information is an offence under the Import and Export Ordinance, and that offenders are liable to prosecution and/or administrative actions.

Enquiries

15.                        Enquiries on the content of this circular and other licensing matters can be made to the Strategic Trade Controls Branch at 3403 6264, or by email to stc@tid.gov.hk.

 

Strategic Trade Controls Branch

Trade and Industry Department