G/MA/QR/N/HKG/ 6 
 
28 October 2022  
(22-8101) Page: 1/31 
Committee on Market Access  Original: English  
 
 
NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE DECISION ON NOTIFICATION  PROCEDURE S 
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS (G/L/59/REV.1)  
HONG KONG, CHINA 
The following communication, dated 28 Septem ber 2022, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Hong Kong, China . 
A. Notifying Member :  Hong Kong, China  
B. Date of notification :  28 September 2022 
C. First time notification:  
 Yes 
 No, last notification was made in (doc. symbol ): G/MA/QR/N/HKG/5/Add.1  
D. Type of notification:  
 1. Complete (i.e. notification of all quantitative restrictions in force ) 
 2. Changes to a notification previously made in (doc symbol)  which are of the following 
nature :      
  2.1 Introduction of new restrictions, as listed in Section 1. 
  2.2 Elimination of restrictions, as described in G below . 
  2.3 Modification of a previously notified restriction, as described in Section 1. 
 3. Reverse notification of restric tions maintained by (Member ):      
E. The notification provides information for the follo wing biennial period 
(e.g.  2012 -2014): 2022-2024 and relates to restrictions in force as of  28 September 
2022 
F. This notification contains information* relating to:  
 Section  1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force . 
 Section  2: Cross -reference to other WTO notifications wi th information on quantitative 
restrictions that are currently in force and additional information . 
G. Comments of a general nature, including a description of the elimination of 
restrictions notified under D.2.2 and the date they ceased to be in force.  
 
 
* In English  only.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 2 - Section 1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force  
QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
1 Non-automatic 
licence  and 
inspection for the 
export of 
endangered species 
of animals and 
plants listed in the 
three Appendices of 
the Convention on 
International Trade 
in Endangered 
Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora 
(CITES)  NAL-X ex Ch. 1-6 
ex Ch.  12 
ex Ch. 41–44 
ex Ch.  67 
ex Ch. 96-97 Endangered species of 
animals and plants listed in 
the three CITES 
Appendices, whether alive, 
dead, parts or derivatives  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
CITES  Protection of 
Endangered Species of 
Animals and Plants 
Ordinance  (Cap. 586)  
 
Date of entry into force  
of Cap. 586: 
1 December  2006 
 
Note: Cap.  586 
replaced the Animals 
and Plants (Protection 
of Endangered Species) 
Ordinance (Cap. 187) 
which was in force since 
6 August  1976 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedu re on an MFN 
basis to protect 
endangered species and 
to prevent them from 
over-exploitation in 
accordance with CITES.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
2 Prohibition of import 
and re -export of 
elephant ivory and 
elephant hunting 
trophy  CP 
CP-X An indicative 
list of relevant 
Chapters is as 
follows:  
ex Ch. 05 
ex Ch. 41 
ex Ch. 92 
ex Ch. 96 
ex Ch. 97 Ivory and hunting trophy 
of Asian elephant and 
African elephant  Article  XX(a), (b) and 
(g) of the GATT  1994 
 
CITES  Protection of 
Endangered Species of 
Animals and Plants 
(Amendment) 
Ordinance 2018  
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 May 2018  The restriction is 
administered through 
prohibition of import  
and re -export of the 
elephant hunting 
trophies and ivory items  
by phases  on an MFN 
basis except under 
defined conditions to 
protect elephants.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 3 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
3 Permit for the 
export of protected 
wild animal, or part 
of a protected wild 
animal , killed or 
taken in Hong Kong ; 
or nest or egg of a 
protected wild 
animal  taken in 
Hong Kong  NAL-X ex Ch. 1-5 Protected wild animal, or 
part of a protected wild 
animal,  killed or taken in 
Hong Kong;  or nest or egg 
of a protected wild animal 
taken in Hong Kong  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Wild Animals Protection 
Ordinance (Cap. 170) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
23 January 1976  The restriction is 
administered through a 
special permit system 
on an MFN basis to 
conserve protected wild 
animals in Hong Kong . 
4 Licensing of 
exporters, and non -
automatic 
authorization for the 
export of controlled 
chemicals  NAL-X ex Ch. 28-29 33 controlled chemicals 
which can be used for the 
manufacture of dangerous 
drugs or psychotropic 
substances  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
United Nations 
Convention Against 
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic 
Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances  1988 Control of Chemicals 
Ordinance (Cap. 145) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 June 1996 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) licensing of 
exporters and (ii) 
authorization to export 
controlled chemicals on 
an MFN basis to prevent 
diversion of controlled 
chemicals into illicit 
manufacture of narcotic 
drugs and psychotropic 
substances.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in S ection  2.4. 
5 Non-automatic 
import certificate, 
import and export 
licence for the 
import and export of 
dangerous drugs  
Import quota for 
certain dangerous 
drugs  GQ 
NAL 
NAL-X ex 1211 
ex 1301 
ex 1302 
ex Ch. 29 Dangerous drugs specified 
in Schedule  I, Part I of the 
Dangerous Drugs 
Ordinance, Cap.  134 Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
UN Single Convention 
on Narcotic drugs  1961 
UN Single Convention 
on Psychotropic 
substances  1971 Dangerous Drugs 
Ordinance (Cap. 134) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
17 January 1969  The restriction is 
administered through 
an import certificate, 
import and export 
licensing procedure on 
an MFN basis to protect 
public health.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 4 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
6 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of dutiable 
commodities  NAL-X ex Ch. 22 
ex Ch. 24 
ex Ch.  27 
ex Ch.  28-38 Dutiable commodities 
(tobacco, liquors, methyl 
alcohol and hydrocarbon 
oil) Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Dutiable Commodities 
Ordinance  (Cap. 109) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 January  1932 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to control the 
movement of dutiable 
commodities, as well as 
to protect and collect 
the excise duty imposed 
on the dutiable 
commodities.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
7 Permit for exporters 
of, and licence for 
the export of non-
pesticide hazardous 
chemicals  NAL-X ex 2524 
ex 2903 
ex 2904 
ex 2919 
ex 2931 
ex 3824 Non-pesticide hazardous 
chemicals  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
Stockholm Convention 
on Persistent Organic 
Pollutants  
 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on the Prior 
Informed Consent 
Procedure for Certain 
Hazardous Chemicals 
and Pesticides in 
International Trade  Hazardous Chemicals 
Control Ordinance 
(Cap. 595) 
 
Import and Export 
Ordinance (Cap. 60) 
 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction : 
1 April 2008 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) an export permit 
system  for exporters 
and (ii) an export 
licensing system on an 
MFN basis to protect 
human health and the 
environment, including 
chemicals regulated by 
the Stockholm 
Convention and the 
Rotterdam Convention.  
 
Import permit and 
licensing system s can 
be found in Section  2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 5 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
8 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of mercury or 
mercury mixtures 
and  
 
Prohibition of import 
and export of certain 
mercury -added 
products  NAL-X 
 
 
 
 
 
P 
P-X 2805 4000  
2843 9090  
 
 
 
 
Various, 
including ex 
Ch. 85 and 90  Mercury or mercury 
mixtures  
 
 
 
 
Certain mercury -added 
products listed in Part I of 
Annex A of the Minamata 
Convention on Mercury  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
Minamata Convention 
on Mercury  Mercury Control 
Ordinance (Cap. 640)  
 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction:  
1 December  2021 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
system and a 
prohibition on an MFN 
basis to protect human 
health and the 
environment.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures of mercury 
or mercury mixtures 
can be found in 
Section  2.4. 
9 Prohibition of the 
import and 
transhipment of 
asbestos and 
asbestos containing 
materials  CP 25241000  
25249010  
25249020  
25249090  
68114010  
68114090  
68128000  
68129110  
68129190  
68129210  
68129290  
68129310  
68129390  
68129910  
68129990  
68132010  
68132090  Asbestos and asbestos 
containing materials , 
except for goods in transit, 
registered proprietary 
Chinese medicine  or other 
exempted articles  Article XX(b) of the 
GATT 1994  Air Pollution Control 
(Amendment) 
Ordinance 2014  
 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction: 
4 April 2014  The restriction is 
administered through a 
prohibition on import of 
and transhipment of 
asbestos and asbestos 
containing materials, 
except for goods in 
transit, registered 
proprietary Chinese 
medicine  or ot her 
exempted articles on an 
MFN basis to protect 
human health.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 6 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
10 Declaration for the 
import of motor 
vehicles for use in 
Hong Kong  NAL  
 ex Ch.  87 Motor vehicles  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Motor Vehicles (First 
Registration Tax) 
Ordinance (Cap. 330) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
23 June 1961 The restriction is 
administered through 
import declaration 
procedure on an MFN 
basis for subsequent 
collection of first 
registration ta x on 
vehicles which are for 
use in Hong Kong . 
11 Carriage licence for 
carrying outboard 
engines exceeding 
111.9  kilowatts 
(150 horsepower), 
vehicles and vehicle 
parts by a vessel 
under 250  gross 
tons within the 
waters of Hong Kong  NAL ex Ch.  84 
ex Ch.  87 Outboard engines 
exceeding 111.9  kilowatts 
(150 horsepower), 
vehicles and vehicle parts  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
(Carriage of Articles) 
Regulations (Cap. 60I) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
26 April 1991  The restriction is 
administered through a 
carriage licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to tackle 
smuggling of these 
products.  
12 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of optical disc 
mastering and 
replication 
equipment  NAL-X ex Ch.  85 Optical disc mastering and 
replication equipment  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
29 December  1997 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to enforce a 
robust intellectual 
property rights regime 
in Hong Kong  and to 
prevent the use of 
optical disc mastering 
and replication 
equipment for copyright 
infringing a ctivities.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 7 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
13 Registration of 
exporters and non -
automatic licence for 
the export of 
scheduled ozone 
depleting substances  NAL-X  ex 2903 
ex 8424 
90192000  Scheduled ozone depleting 
substances  
(please refer to : 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/ep
d/english/application_for_li
cences/guidance/wn6_licen
1_1.html ) Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
1985 Vienna 
Convention for the 
Protection of the Ozone 
Layer  
1987 Montreal Protocol 
on Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone 
Layer (Montreal 
Protocol)  Ozone Layer Protection 
Ordinance (Cap. 403) 
and its subsidiary 
regulations  
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 July 1989 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) an exporter  
registration system and 
(ii) an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to give effect to 
Hong Kong, China 
(HKC)'s international 
obligations, to control 
the exportation of 
ozone depleting 
substances, and to 
conserve  the ozone 
layer.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
14 Prohibition of import 
of controlled 
products containing 
ozone depleting 
substances  CP ex 2903 
ex 8424 
90192000  Controlled products 
containing ozone depleting 
substances are banned for 
import in phases.  Details 
of the phasing out 
schedule can be found at : 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/ep
d/english/environmentinhk
/air/ozone_layer_protectio
n/wn6_info.html  Article XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
Montreal Protocol  Ozone Layer Protection 
(Products Containing 
Scheduled Substances) 
(Import Banning) 
Regulation , Cap. 403C 
 
Date of entry into force:  
27 May 1993 
 
Note: While Cap.  403C 
entered into force on 
27 May 1993, the 
importations of 
different controlled 
products were banned 
on different dates.  
Please refer to the link 
in column  4 for details.  The restriction is 
administered through a 
global ban of imports on 
an MFN basis to give 
effect to H KC's 
intern ational 
obligations, to control 
the importation of  
products containing 
ozone depleting 
substances, and to 
conserve the ozone 
layer.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 8 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
15 Prohibition of import 
and export of 
scheduled ozone 
depleting substances 
from/to non -parties 
to the Montreal 
Protocol  CP ex 2903 
ex 8424 
90192000  Scheduled ozone depleting 
substances  
(please refer to : 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/ep
d/english/application_for_li
cences/guidance/wn6_licen
1_1.html ) Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
Montreal Protocol  Ozone Layer Protection 
Ordinance (Cap. 403) 
and its subsidiary 
regulations  
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 July 1989 The restriction is 
administered through a 
global ban of imports 
and exports of 
scheduled substances 
from/to non -parties to 
the Montreal Protocol 
on an MFN basis to give 
effect to H KC's 
international 
obligations, to control 
the importation and 
exportation o f ozone 
depleting substances, 
and to conserve the 
ozone layer.  
16 Pesticide Permit for 
exporters of 
scheduled pesticides 
and non -automatic 
licence for the 
export of pesticides 
and 
articles/products 
containing 
pesticides, which 
meet the definition 
of pesticides in 
Section 2 of 
Pesticides 
Ordinance, Cap.  133 NAL-X ex 3808 Pesticides  and 
articles/products 
containing pesticides, 
which meet the definition 
of pesticides in Section 2 of 
Pesticides Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on the Prior 
Informed Consent 
Procedure for Certain 
Hazardous Chem icals 
and Pesticides in 
International Trade  
 
The Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent Organic 
Pollutants  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
 
Pesticides Ordinance  
(Cap.  133) 
 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction : 
25 February  1991 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) Pesticide Permit for 
exporters of scheduled 
pesticides and  (ii) an 
export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect public 
health.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section 2.4.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 9 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
17 License for dealers 
and non -automatic 
licence for the 
export of 
pharmaceutical 
products and 
medicines  NAL-X Ch. 30 
ex Ch.  12 Pharmaceutical products 
and medicines  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance  (Cap. 60) 
Pharmacy and Poisons 
Ordinance (Cap. 138) 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction  
1 January 1970  The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) licensing of dealers 
and (ii) an export 
licensing procedure on 
an MFN basis to protect 
public health.  
 
Import  licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
18 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of proprietary 
Chinese medicines 
and 36  Chinese 
herbal medicines  NAL-X ex 3003 
ex 3004 
ex 1211 Proprietary Chinese 
medicines and 36  Chinese 
herbal medicines  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance (Cap. 549) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
11 January  2008 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect public 
health.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
19 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of powdered 
formula for infants 
and young children 
aged under 
36 months  NAL-X ex 04021000  
ex 04022110  
ex 04022120  
ex 04022190  
ex 04022900  Milk powder and soya -
based formula powder for 
consumption by infants 
and young children aged 
under 36  months  Article  XX(j) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance (Cap.  60) 
and Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap.  60A) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 March  2013 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
arrangement on an MFN 
basis to tackle the 
serious shortage of 
powdered formula in 
Hong Kong 's ma rket 
caused by the diversion 
of large quantities of 
such products away 
from the local supply 
chain by parallel 
traders.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 10 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
20 Permit for the 
export of radio 
transmitting 
apparatus  NAL-X 
 ex Ch. 85 Radio transmitting 
apparatus  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT 1994 Telecommunications 
Ordinance  (Cap. 106) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 January  1963  The restriction is 
administered through 
an export permit 
system on an MFN basis 
to better control 
telecommunications 
apparatus and 
equipment.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
21 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of rice  NAL-X 1006 Rice, with or without husk, 
and milled or unmilled  Article  XX(j) of the 
GATT  1994 Reserved Commodities 
Ordinance (Cap. 296) 
and its subsidiary 
legislation  
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 November  1979 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to maintain a 
stable supply and a 
reserve stock for 
emergencies.  
Businesses registered 
as rice stockholders are 
required to contribute 
to the reserve stock by 
holding a q uantity of 
rice proportionate to 
their import volumes.  
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
22 Prohibition of 
exports of rough 
diamonds to non-
participants of the 
Kimberley Process  
 CP-X 710210 00 
710221 00 
710231 00 Rough diamonds  as defined 
under the Kimberley 
Process Certification 
Scheme  Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations  
(Cap. 60A) 
 The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system for 
rough diamond traders 
and an export 
certification  scheme to  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 11 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
Registration of 
rough diamond 
traders and 
Kimberl ey Process 
Certificates  (Export)  
for the export of 
rough diamonds  Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
2 January  2003 fulfil the international 
obligations under the 
Kimberley Process.  
Registered rough 
diamond traders can 
export rough diamonds 
to the countries or 
places for which the 
Scheme is effective or  
permitted by the 
Kimberl ey Process.  
 
Import certification 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
23 Prohibition of import 
of smokeless 
tobacco products  P ex Ch.  24 Smokeless tobacco 
products  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Smokeless Tobacco 
Products (Prohibition) 
Regulations 
(Cap. 132BW) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 16 
January 1987  The importation of 
smokeless tobacco 
products is p rohibited 
on an MFN basis to 
protect public  health.  
24 Prohibition of import 
of alternative 
smoking products  P 24039900  
85437000  Alternative smoking 
products, including 
electronic smoking 
products, heated tobacco 
products and herbal 
cigarettes  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Smoking (Public Health) 
(Amendment) 
Ordinance 2021  
(Cap. 371)  
 
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction: 30 
April 2022  The importation of 
alternative smoking 
products  is prohibited 
on an MFN basis to 
protect public  health.   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 12 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
25 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
export of strategic 
commodities  NAL-X Strategic commodities  listed in the 
Schedules to the Import and Export 
(Strategic Commodities) Regulations (please 
refer to 
http://www.stc.tid.gov.hk/english/checkpro
d/sc_control.html ). They cover a wide 
variety of goods and technology including 
munitions items and industrial dual -use 
goods which can also be used for military 
purpose.  Article  XXI(b)(ii)  of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance (Cap. 60) 
 
Import and Export 
(Strategic 
Commodities) 
Regulations (Cap. 60G) 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
24 December  1965 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to prevent Hong 
Kong from being used 
as a conduit for 
proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction and 
to ensure Hong Kong' s 
continuous access to 
technology and high -
tech products . 
 
Import licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
26 Prohibition of import 
of Volatile Organic 
Compounds (VOC) 
containing products 
in excess of 
prescribed limits  CP 3208–10 
3215 
ex 3505–06 
ex 3305 
ex 3307 
ex 3402 
ex 3403 
ex 3404 
ex 3808 
ex 3824 A variety of Volatile 
Organic Compounds (VOC) 
containing products 
(51 types of architectural 
paints/coatings, 7  types of 
printing inks, 6 broad 
categories of consumer 
products, 14  types of 
vehicle refinishing 
paints/coatings, 36 types 
of vesse l and pleasure craft 
paints/coatings, and 
47 types of adhesives and 
sealants, and fountain 
solutions and printing 
machine cleaning agents) 
are regulated under Air 
Pollution Control (Volatile 
Organic Compounds) 
Regulation, Cap.  311W Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Air Polluti on Control 
(Volatile Organic 
Compounds) Regulation 
(Cap. 311W) 
 
Date of entry into force  
of this restriction : 
1 April 2007 and last 
amend ment was made 
on 1 January 2018  The restriction is 
administered through 
the prohibition of 
importation of 
regulated products 
containing VOC in 
excess of prescribed 
limits on an MFN basis 
to improve the air 
quality of Hong Kong .  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 13 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
(please refer to : 
https://www.epd.gov.hk/e
pd/english/environmentinh
k/air/prob_solutions/voc_r
eg.html#point_3  for 
details)  
27 Permit for the 
export of waste  NAL-X 
 Non-hazardous recyclables 
(https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/f
iles/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/6sche dule.pdf ) except those 
that are uncontaminated and exported for 
the purpose of reprocessing, recycling, 
recovery or reuse  
 
Hazardous wastes 
(https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/f
iles/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/7schedule.pdf ) 
 
Regulated e -waste (i.e. abandoned air 
conditioners, refrigerators, washing 
machines, televisions, computers, printers, 
scanners and monitors)  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
Basel Convention on 
the Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and 
their Disposal  Waste Disposal 
Ordinance (Cap.  354) 
and its subsidiary 
regulations  
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction:  
1 September  1996 
 
The restriction on 
regulated e -waste 
enter ed into force on 
31 December 2018.  The restriction is 
administered through  a 
permit system for the 
export of waste on an 
MFN basis in 
accordance with HKC's 
obligations under the 
Basel Convention on the 
Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and 
their Disposal, and to  
ensure environmentally 
sound management of 
waste in Hong Kong . 
 
The regulated e -waste 
export control ensure s 
that any regulated e -
waste export from Hong 
Kong will be controlled 
and will not cause 
environmental hazards 
in other jurisdictions.  
 
Import licen sing 
procedures  can be 
found in Section  2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 14 - QR 
No. General 
description of the 
restriction  Type of 
restriction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022) 
 Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justificat ion 
and Grounds for 
Restriction , e.g., 
Other International  
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force   
 Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
28 Non-automatic 
licensing for the 
export and re -export 
of live or dead 
toothfish items  NAL-X 030283  
030383  
030446  
030455  
030485  
030492  Live or dead toothfish 
items  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
Convention on the 
Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources (CAMLR 
Convention)  Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources Ordinance 
(Cap.  635) and 
Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources (Toothfish 
Catch Documentation 
Scheme) Regul ation 
(Cap.  635A)  
Date of entry into force 
of this restriction:  
1 July 2020 The restriction is 
administered through 
an export licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect 
toothfish from illegal, 
unreported and 
unregulated fishing 
internationally in 
accor dance with the 
CAMLR Convention.  
Import licensing 
procedures  can be 
found in Section  2.4. 
   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 15 - Section  2: Cross -reference to other WTO notifications with information on quantitative restrictions that are currently in force  
This section shall be filled by Members in case a notification made pursuant to another notification requirement (e.g. set in the Agreement on 
Agriculture, Agreement on Balance of Payments, Agreement on Safeguards, and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, etc .) contains 
informat ion on a quantitative restriction in force and whi ch is not listed in Section 1.  
1. Agreement on Agriculture  
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO 
Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
Internat ional 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/AG/N/         
 
2. Agreement on Balance of Payments  
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notificatio n: 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO 
Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
WT/BOP/N/         
   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 16 -  
3. Agreement on Safeguards  
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO 
Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis  and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/SG/N         
 
4. Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (non -automatic licences)  
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Licensing of 
importers; and 
non-automatic 
authorization  for 
the import of 
controlled 
chemicals  NAL ex Ch.  28-29 27 controlled 
chemicals which can 
be used for the 
manufacture of 
dangerous drugs or 
psychotropic 
substances  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
United Nations 
Convention Against 
Illicit Traffic in 
Narcotic Drugs and 
Psychotropic 
Substances,  1988 Control of Chemicals 
Ordinance (Cap.  145) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction:  
1 June 1996 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) licensing of importers 
and (ii) authorization to 
import controlled 
chemicals on an MFN 
basis to prevent 
diversion of controlled 
chemicals into illicit 
manufacture of narcotic 
drugs and psychotropic 
substances . 
  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 17 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of dutiable 
commodities  NAL ex Ch   22 
ex Ch.  24 
ex Ch.  27 
ex Ch.  28-38 Dutiable 
commodities 
(tobacco, liquors, 
methyl alcohol and 
hydrocarbon oil)  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Dutiable Commodities 
Ordinance (Cap. 109) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
1 January  1932 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to control the 
import and movement 
of dutiable 
commodities , as well as 
to protect and collect 
the excise duty imposed 
on the dutiable 
commodities . 
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence and 
inspection for the 
import of 
endangered 
species of animals 
and plants listed in 
CITES Appendix  I 
and live 
endangered 
species of wild 
origin in CITES 
Appendix  II NAL ex Ch.  1-6 
ex Ch.  12 
ex Ch.  41-44 
ex Ch.  67 
ex Ch.  96-97 Endangered species 
of animals and 
plants listed in 
CITES Appendix  I 
(whether alive, 
dead, parts or 
derivatives) and live 
endangered species 
of wild origin in 
CITES Appendix  II Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
CITES  Protection of 
Endangered Species of 
Animals and Plant s 
Ordinance (Cap. 586) 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap.  586: 
1 December  2006 
 
Note: Cap.  586 
replaced the Animals 
and Plants (Protection 
of Endangered 
Species) Ordinance  
(Cap.  187) which were 
in force since 
6 August  1976 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect 
endangered species and 
to prevent them from 
over-exploitation in 
accordance with C ITES.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Production of valid 
CITES export 
permit or NAL 
 ex Ch.  1-6 
ex Ch.  12 
ex Ch.  41-44 CITES Appendix  II 
species other than 
live specimens of Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 Protection of 
Endangered Species of The import requirement 
is subject to the 
production of valid  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 18 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
certificate of origin 
issued by the 
exporting country, 
and inspection for 
the import of 
CITES Appendix  II 
species other than 
live specimens of 
wild origin and 
CITES Appendix  III 
species  ex Ch.  67 
ex Ch.  96-97 wild origin and 
CITES Appendix  III 
species, whether 
alive, dead, parts or 
derivatives  CITES  Animals and Plants 
Ordinance (Cap. 586) 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap.  586: 
1 December  2006 
 
Note: Cap.  586 
replaced the Animals 
and Plants (Protection 
of Endangered 
Species) Ordinance  
(Cap.  187) which was 
in force since 
6 August  1976 CITES export permit or 
certificate of origin 
issued by the exporting 
country and inspection 
on an MFN basis to 
protect endangered 
species and to prevent 
them from over -
exploitation in 
accordance with CITES.  
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Permit for 
importers and 
licence for the 
import of non -
pesticide 
hazardous 
chemicals  NAL ex 2524 
ex 2903 
ex 2904 
ex 2919 
ex 2931 
ex 3824 Non-pesticide 
hazardous 
chemicals  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
Stockholm Convention 
on Persistent Organic 
Pollutants  
 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on the 
Prior Informed 
Consent Procedure for 
Certain Hazardous 
Chemicals and 
Pesticides in 
International Trade  Hazardous Chemicals 
Control Ordinance 
(Cap. 595) 
 
Import and Export 
Ordinance  (Cap.  60) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
1 April 2008 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) an import permit 
system  for importers  
and (ii) an import 
licensing system on an 
MFN basis to protect 
human health and the 
environment, including 
chemicals regulated by 
the Stockholm 
Convention and the 
Rotterdam Convention.  
 
Export permit and 
licensing systems can 
be found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of optical 
disc mastering and 
replication 
equipment  NAL ex Ch. 85 Optical disc 
mastering and 
replication 
equipment  Article  XX(d) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
29 December  1997 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to enforce a robust 
intellectual property 
rights regime in Hong  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 19 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
Kong and to prevent the 
use of optical disc 
mastering and 
replication equipment 
for copyright infringing 
activities . 
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Registration of 
importers, non -
automatic licence 
and quota for the 
import of 
scheduled ozone 
depleting 
substances  NAL 
GQ (for 
import of 
HCFCs for 
local 
consumption 
only) ex 2903 
ex 8424 
9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting 
substances  
(please refer to 
http://www.epd.gov
.hk/epd/english/app
lication_for_licences
/guidance/wn6_lice
n1_1.html ) 
Quota allocation 
system is applicable 
to the import of 
hydrochlorofluoro -
carbons (HCFCs) for 
local consumption 
only Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
1985 Vienna 
Conventio n for the 
Protection of the 
Ozone Layer  
 
1987 Montreal 
Protocol on 
Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone 
Layer (Montreal 
Protocol)  Ozone Layer 
Protection Ordinance 
(Cap. 403) and its 
subsidiary regulations  
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
1 July 1989 The restriction is 
administered through 
an importer registration 
system, an import 
licensing procedure and 
a quota allocation 
system on an MFN basis 
to give effect to H KC's 
international 
obligations, to control 
the importation of  ozone 
depleting substances , 
and to conserve the 
ozone layer.  
 
The maximum annu al 
quota of HCFCs that can 
be imported into Hong 
Kong is set based on the 
reduction targets 
stipulated in the 
Montreal Protocol.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 20 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Licence for dealers 
and n on-automatic 
licence for the 
import of 
pharmaceutical 
products and 
medicines  NAL Ch. 30 
ex Ch. 12 Pharmaceutical 
products  and 
medicines  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance  (Cap. 60) 
 
Pharmacy and Poisons 
Ordinance (Cap. 138) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of  this 
restriction :  
1 January 1970  The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) licensing of dealers 
and (ii) an import 
licensing procedure on 
an MFN basis to protect 
public health.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of 
proprietary 
Chinese medicines 
and 36  Chinese 
herbal medicines  NAL ex 3003 
ex 3004 
ex 1211 Proprietary Chinese 
medicines and 
36 Chinese herbal 
medicines  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance (Cap. 549) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
11 January  2008 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect public 
health.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Pesticide Licence 
for importers of 
registered 
pesticides/Pesticid
e Permit for 
importers of 
scheduled 
pesticides or any 
other unregistered 
pesticides and 
non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of 
pesticides and 
articles/ products 
containing NAL ex 3808 Pesticides  and 
articles/products 
containing 
pesticides, whic h 
meet the definition 
of pesticides in 
Section 2 of 
Pesticides 
Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on the 
Prior Informed 
Consent Procedure for 
Certain Hazardous 
Chemicals and 
Pesticides in 
International Trade  
 
The Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent Organic 
Pollutants  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
 
Pesticides Ordinance 
(Cap. 133) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
25 February  1991 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) Pesticide 
License /Permit for 
importers  and (ii)  an 
import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect public 
health.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 21 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
pesticides, which 
meet the definition 
of pesticides in 
Section 2 of 
Pesticides 
Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of 
radioactive 
substances and 
irradiating 
apparatus  NAL 2844 
ex 9022 Radioactive 
substances and 
irradiating 
apparatus  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 Radiation Ordinance 
(Cap. 303) 
 
Import (Radiation) 
(Prohibition) 
Regulations 
(Cap. 60K) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
20 November  1959 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect public 
safety, security and 
health.  
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  Permit for the 
import of radio 
transmitting 
apparatus  NAL ex Ch. 85  Radio transmitting 
apparatus  Article XX(d) of the 
GATT 1994  Telecommunications 
Ordinance (Cap. 106)  
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction: 1 January 
1963 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import and export 
permit system on an 
MFN basis to better 
control 
telecommunications 
apparatus and 
equipment.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section 1.  
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26   Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of rice  NAL 1006 Rice, with or 
without husk, and 
milled or unmilled  Article  XX(j) of the 
GATT  1994 Reserved 
Commodities 
Ordinance (Cap. 296) 
and its subsidiary 
legislation  
 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to maintain a 
stable supply and a  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 22 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
1 November  1979 reserve stock for 
emergencies.  
Businesses registered 
as rice stockholders are 
required to con tribute to 
the reserve stock by 
holding a quantity of 
rice proportionate to 
their import volumes.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Prohibition of 
imports of rough 
diamonds from 
non-participants of 
the Kimberley 
Process  
Registration of 
rough diamond 
traders and 
Kimberl ey Process 
Certificates  
(Import)  for the 
import of rough 
diamonds  CP 710210 00 
710221 00 
710231 00 Rough diamonds  as 
defined under the 
Kimberley Process 
Certification 
Scheme  Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations 
(Cap. 60A) 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
2 January  2003 The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system for 
rough diamond traders 
and an import  
certification  scheme to 
fulfil the international 
obligations under the 
Kimberley Process.  
 
Registered rough 
diamond traders can 
import rough diamonds 
from the countries or 
places for whi ch the 
Scheme is effective or  
permitted by the 
Kimberley  Process.  
 
Export certification 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licensing  for the NAL Strategic commodities  listed in the 
Schedules to the Import and 
Export (Strategic Commodities) Article  XXI(b)(ii) of 
the GATT  1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance (Cap. 60) The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 23 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
import of strategic 
commodities  Regulations (please refer to 
http://www.stc.tid.gov.hk/english/
checkprod/sc_control.html ). They 
cover a wide variety of goods and 
technology  including munitions 
items and industrial dual -use 
goods which can also be used for 
military purpose.  Import and Export 
(Strategic 
Commodities) 
Regulations  
(Cap. 60G) 
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction : 
24 December 1965  procedure on an MFN 
basis to prevent Hong 
Kong from being used 
as a conduit for 
proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction and 
to ensure Hong Kong' s 
continuous access to 
technology and high -
tech products . 
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  Permit for the 
import of waste  NAL Non-hazardous recyclables 
(https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/site
s/default/files/epd/english/environ
mentinhk/waste/guide_ref/files/6s
chedule.pdf ) except those that a re 
uncontaminated and imported for 
the purpose of reprocessing, 
recycling, recovery or reuse  
 
Hazardous wastes 
(https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/site
s/default/files/epd/english/environ
mentinhk/waste/guide_ref/files/7s
chedule.pdf ) 
 
Regulated e -waste (i.e. abandoned 
air conditioners, refrigerators, 
washing machines, televisions, 
computers, printers, scanners and 
monitors)  Article XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
 
Basel Convention on 
the Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes 
and their Disposal  Waste Disposal 
Ordinance (Cap.  354) 
and its subsidiary 
regulations  
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction:  
1 September  1996 
 
The restriction on 
regulated e -waste 
enter ed into force on 
31 December 2018.  The restriction is 
administered through a 
permit system for the 
import of waste on an 
MFN basis in accordance 
with HKC's obligations 
under the Basel 
Convention on the 
Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and 
their Disposal, and to  
ensure environmentally 
sound management of 
waste in Hong Kong . 
 
The regulated e -waste 
import control ensure s 
that any import of 
regulated e -waste will 
be controlled. T he 
control will guard 
against international  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 24 - Document symbol 
of notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr iction  Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on HS  
(2022)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments  National legal basis 
and entry into force  Administration; 
modification of 
previous notified 
measures; and other 
comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
dumping and prevent 
regulated e -waste 
intended for re -export 
ending up in Hong Kong.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licensing for the 
import of live or 
dead toothfish 
items  NAL 030283  
030383  
030446  
030455  
030485  
030492  Live or dead 
toothfish items  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
Convention on the 
Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine 
Living Resources 
(CAMLR Convention)  Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine 
Living Resources 
Ordinance (Cap.  635) 
and Conservation of 
Antarctic Marine 
Living Resources 
(Toothfish Catch 
Documentation 
Scheme) Regulation 
(Cap.  635A)  
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction:  
1 July 2020 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure on an MFN 
basis to protect 
toothfish from illegal, 
unreported and 
unregulated fishing 
internationally in 
accordance with the 
CAMLR Convention.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/26  
 Non-automatic 
licence for the 
import of mercury 
or mercury 
mixtures  NAL 2805 4000  
2843 9090  Mercury or mercury 
mixtures  Article  XX(b) of the 
GATT  1994 
Minamata Convention 
on Mercury  Mercury Control 
Ordinance (Cap. 640)  
 
Date of entry into 
force of this 
restriction:  
1 December  2021 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
system on an MFN basis 
to protect human health 
and the environment.  
 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section  1. 
   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/6  
 
- 25 -  
5. Other notifications  
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction in other notifications?   Yes     No  
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(2022)  Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO 
Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
        
 
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