Hong Kong
Important
In Hong Kong, the import of general goods does not require an import license. Hong Kong operates as a free port, and there are no tariffs on general imports. However, it’s essential to note that there is excise duty on specific items such as alcoholic liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol.
For customs clearance when importing goods into Hong Kong, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Manifests
- Import licenses (if applicable)
- Copy of detention notice (if applicable)
- Additional supporting documents like Invoices, Packing lists, Bill of lading
Imports
General Import Guidelines
- The importer must have a valid importer code from Customs Authority
- Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
- Imported goods must be accompanied with an Bill of lading / Air Waybill, a Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin (if any), and a Packing List
- HS Codes must be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice.
Import Duties and Fees
- The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Hong Kong
- Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
- Goods containing tobacco will be set to SGD $180 handling fee for each shipment.
Imports
The below documents are needed:
- Bill of Lading Air Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
Important Notes
- All imported goods will be inspected by Customs Authorities
Exports
Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:
- Original Commercial Invoice (in English)
- Customs Declaration
- For certain goods, export license is required.
Government Agencies
| Centre for Food Safety | www.cfs.gov.hk/english/index.html |
| Food and Environmental Hygiene Department | www.fehd.gov.hk/english/index.html |
| Department of Health | www.dh.gov.hk/english/index.html |
| Agriculture, fisheries and Conservation Department | www.afcd.gov.hk/english/index.html |
| Office of the Communications Authority | www.ofca.gov.hk/en/home/index.html |
| Hong Kong Customs HS Codes | www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/index_hs_code.html |
Seaport
| Port of Hong Kong |
Airport
| Hong Kong International Airport |
Prohibited and Restricted
- Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
- Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
- Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
- Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
- Fireworks*
- Ivory and ivory products*
- Furs*
- Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
- Bullion*
- Chemical waste and nuclear waste
- Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
- Ammunitions*
- Human remains, including ashes*
- Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
- Alcoholic Liquors / Wine / Tobacco / Cigarette / All Medicine / Drugs / All Plants (including any seeds) Agricultural Pesticide / Radioactive Substance & Irradiating Apparatus & X-ray Machine / Firearms / Weapons / All strategic commodities / CNC Machine / Prohibited Drugs / Motor Vehicles / Motor Bike, Scrap (e.g. Paper/Metal/Plastics waste etc…), Electronic cargo and wastes (Computer parts, Computer main boards, computer chips, Hazardous Wastes, Computer Waste, Including Used computer etc…), Fuel & Gas, Mobile Phone, Powdered Formula, Magnet, Powder & Cosmetics products, Liquid and or Chemical cargo, Batteries, Food & Food additives, Medical and health products, Wires and cables, switches, low-voltage appliances, power tools, household appliances, car tires, truck tires, audio and video equipment, information equipment, telecommunications terminals, motor vehicles, medical equipment, security equipment, paint, ceramics, automotive products, toys, Animal feathers