G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
7 October 2014  
(14-5639)  Page: 1/28  
Committee on Market Access  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE DECI SION ON NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES 
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS (G/L/59/REV.1) 
HONG KONG, CHINA 
The following communication, dated 30 September 2014,  is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Hong Kong, China. 
A. Notifying Member:  Hong Kong, China 
B. Date of notification:  30 September 2014 
C. First time notification: 
 Yes 
 No, last notification was made in (doc. symbol):  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1/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 restrictions maintained by (Member):      
E. The notification provides information for the following biennial period 
(e.g. 2012-2014): 2014-2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 
29 August 2014 
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 with information on quantitative 
restrictions that are currently in force and additional information. 
G. Comments of a general nature, includin g a description of the elimination of 
restrictions notified under D.2.2 and th e date they ceased to be in force. 
 
                                               
* In English only.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 2 - Section 1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force 
QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) 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: 1 December 2006 
Note: Cap. 586 
replaced the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187 which was in force since 1976 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and 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. Production of valid 
CITES export permit or certificate of origin issued by the exporting country, andinspection for the import of CITES Appendix II species other than live specimens of wild origin and species in CITES Appendix III CITES Export 
Permit 
(or Certificate 
of Origin) ex Ch. 1-6 
ex Ch. 12 ex Ch. 41-44 ex Ch. 67 ex Ch. 96-97 CITES Appendix II 
species other than live specimens of wild origin and species in CITES Appendix III, 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: 1 December 2006 
Note: Cap. 586 
replaced the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187 which was in force since 1976 The import requirement 
is subject to the production of valid 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/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 3 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
3. Permit for the export 
of protected wild animals, parts of a protected wild animal, or the nests or eggs of a protected wild animal Special Permit ex Ch. 1-5 Protected wild 
animals, parts of a protected wild animal killed or taken in Hong Kong, or the nests or eggs 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: 1976 The restriction is 
administered through a special permit system and 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 26 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: 1 January 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 Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 4 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
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 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 
Convention on 
Psychotropic 
substances 1971  Dangerous Drugs 
Ordinance, Cap. 134 The restriction is 
administered through an import certificate, import and export licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
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: 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.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 5 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
7. Permit for the export 
of hazardous chemicals Permit ex 2524 
ex 2903 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 Cap. 595: 
1 April 2008 The restriction is 
administered through an export permit system and on an MFN basis to protect human health and the environment, including chemicals regulated by the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention. 
Import permit system 
can be found in Section 2.4. 
8. Declaration, first 
registration and import return for the import of motor vehicles for sale or for use in Hong Kong Declaration 
First 
registration 
Import return 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: 23 June 1961 The restriction is 
administered through import declaration and import returns procedure on an MFN basis for subsequent collection of first registration tax on such vehicles which are for use in Hong Kong.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 6 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
9. 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 The restriction is 
administered through a carriage licensing procedure on an MFN basis to tackle smuggling of these products. 
10. 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. 60 
Date of entry into 
force: 29 December 1997 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and 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 fo r copyright 
infringing activities. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 7 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
11. Registration and non-
automatic licence for the export of scheduled ozone depleting substances NAL-X 
Registration ex 2903 
ex 8424 9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting substances 
(please refer to 
http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_licen
ces/guidance/wn6_
licen.html  or 
http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_licen
ces/guidance/wn6_
licen1_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: 1 July 1989 The restriction is 
administered through a registration system and an export licensing procedure on an MFN basis to give effect to Hong Kong’s international obligations, to control the exportation of, and to conserve the resources of, substances that deplete the ozone layer. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4. 
12. Prohibition of import of 
controlled products containing ozone depleting substances CP ex 2903 
ex 8424 9019 2000 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.go
v.hk/epd/english/e
nvironmentinhk/air
/ozone_layer_prote
ction/wn6_info_pha
seout_schedule.ht
ml 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 Hong Kong’s international obligations, to control the importation of, and to conserve the resources of, substances that deplete the ozone layer.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 8 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
13. Prohibition of import 
and export of scheduled ozone depleting substances from/to non-parties to the Montreal Protocol CP ex 2903 
ex 8424 9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting substances 
(please refer to 
http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_licen
ces/guidance/wn6_
licen1_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: 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 Hong Kong’s international obligations, to control the importation and exportation of, and to conserve the resources of, substances that deplete the ozone layer. 
14. 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 Ch. 28-38 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 Chemicals 
and Pesticides in 
International Trade 
The Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent Organic 
Pollutants Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pesticides Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 
Date of entry into force 
of Cap. 133: 25 February 1991 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 9 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
15. 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 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pharmacy and Poisons 
Ordinance, Cap. 138 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4. 
16. 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. 60 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance, Cap. 549 
Date of entry into 
force: 11 January 2008 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4. 
17. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of powdered formula for infants and young children aged under 36 months NAL-X ex 0402 1000
 
ex 0402 2110  
ex 0402 2120  
ex 0402 2190  
ex 0402 2900 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 its subsidiary legislation 
Date of entry into 
force: 1 March 2013 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing arrangement and on an MFN basis to tackle the serious shortage of powdered formula in the Hong Kong market caused by the diversion of large quantities of such products away from the local supply chain by parallel traders.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 10 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
18. Permit for the import 
and export of radio transmitting apparatus Permit ex Ch. 85 Radio transmitting 
apparatus Article XX(d) of the 
GATT 1994  Section 9 of the 
Telecommunications Ordinance, Cap. 106 
Date of entry into 
force: 1 January 1963 and amended in 2003 The restriction is 
administered through an import and export permit system and on an MFN basis to better control telecommunications apparatus and equipment. 
19. 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 
Date of entry into 
force: 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 quantity of rice proportionate to their import volumes. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 11 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
20. Prohibition of exports 
of rough diamonds to non-participants of the Kimberley Process 
Registration of rough 
diamond traders and Kimberley Process Certificates (Export) for the export of rough diamonds CP-X 
Registration 
Certificates 7102 10 
7102 21 7102 31 Rough diamonds as 
defined under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
Date of entry into 
force: 2 January 2003 The restriction is 
administered through a registration system for rough diamond traders and an export certification scheme system to fulfill the international obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
Registered rough 
diamond traders can export rough diamonds to the countries or places for which the Scheme are effective or permitted by the Kimberly Process. 
Import certification 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4. 
21. 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. 132 
Date of entry into 
force: 1987 The importation of 
smokeless tobacco products is prohibited on an MFN basis to protect public health.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 12 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
22. 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/ch
eckprod/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 
Date of entry into 
force: 1970 
Import and Export 
(Strategic Commodities) Regulations, Cap. 60G 
Date of entry into 
force: 1965 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing procedure and 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. 
23. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of textiles products NAL-X ex Ch. 50-63 
ex Ch. 42 ex Ch. 65 ex Ch. 94 Textiles products 
(i.e. any natural or artificial fibre products and any combination of natural and artificial fibre products in the form of yarn, fabrics, garments or other manufactured articles) Article XX(d) of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 and its subsidiary legislation 
Date of entry into 
force: 1970 The restriction is 
administered through an export licensing system for textiles products to the Mainland of China or the US irrespective of the origin of the goods.  The restriction is an integral part of the surveillance system to back up Hong Kong’s textiles export control. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 13 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
24. 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 3403 ex 3404 ex 3808 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 vessel and pleasure craft paints/coatings, and 47 types of adhesives and sealants) Article XX(b) of the 
GATT 1994 Air Pollution Control 
(Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulation, Cap. 311W 
Date of entry into 
force: Cap. 311 took effect in phases.  It became effective on 1 April 2007 and was fully implemented on 1 April 2012 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/2  
 
- 14 - QR
No. General description 
of the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc.) National legal basis 
and entry into force 
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
25. Permit for the export 
of waste Permit Non-hazardous recyclables 
(http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english
/environmentinhk/w aste/guide_ref/fi
les/6schedule.pdf ) except for the 
purpose of reproces sing, recycling, 
recovery or reuse 
Hazardous wastes 
(http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english
/environmentinhk/w aste/guide_ref/fi
les/7schedule.pdf ) 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: 1996 The restriction is 
administered through a permit system for the export of waste and on an MFN basis in accordance with Hong Kong’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. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 15 - Section 2: Cross-reference to other WTO noti fications 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 t he Agreement on 
Agriculture, Agreement on Balance of Payments, Agreement on Safe guards, and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, etc.)  contains 
information on a quantitative restriction in force and which 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: N.A 
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 notification: 
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:   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 16 - 4. Agreement on Import Licensing Pr ocedures (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. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Licensing of 
importers; and non-automatic authorization for the import of controlled chemicals NAL ex Ch. 28-
29 26 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: 1 January 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. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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: 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. 
   
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 17 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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 Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586 
Date of entry into 
force: 1 December 2006 
Note: Cap. 586 
replaced the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187 which were in force since 1976 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect endangered species and to prevent them from over-exploitation in accordance with CITES. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Non-automatic 
licence for the import of frozen or chilled meat and poultry NAL ex Ch. 2 Frozen or chilled 
meat and poultry Article XX(b) of the 
GATT 1994 Imported Game, 
Meat and Poultry Regulations, Cap. 132 
Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap. 132  : 
1976 The restriction is 
administered through prior approval in writing and on an MFN basis for public health and food safety.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 18 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Permit/licence 
for the import of hazardous chemicals Permit 
NAL ex 2524 
ex 2903 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 Cap. 595: 1 April 2008 The restriction is 
administered through an import permit system and 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 system 
can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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. 60 
Date of entry into 
force: 29 December 1997 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and 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 activities. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 19 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Registration, 
non-automatic licence and quota for the import of scheduled ozone depleting substances NAL 
Registration 
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/application_for_licences/guidance/wn6_licen.html or http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/guidance/wn6_licen1_1.html) 
Quota allocation 
system is applicable to the 
import of 
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for local consumption only 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: 1 July 1989 The restriction is 
administered through a registration system, an import licensing procedure and a quota allocation system on an MFN basis to give effect to Hong Kong’s international obligations, to control the importation of, and to conserve the resources of, substances that deplete the ozone layer. 
The maximum annual 
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/2  
 
- 20 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Non-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 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pharmacy and 
Poisons Ordinance, Cap. 138 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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. 60 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance, Cap. 549 
Date of entry into 
force: 11 January 2008 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 21 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Non-automatic 
licence for the import of pesticides and articles/products containing pesticides, which meet the definition of pesticides in Section 2 of Pesticides Ordinance, Cap. 133 NAL ex Ch. 28-
38 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 Chemicals 
and Pesticides in 
International Trade 
The Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent Organic 
Pollutants Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pesticides Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap. 133: 25 February 1991 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap. 303: 6 September 1957 
Import (Radiation) 
(Prohibition) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Date of entry into 
force of Cap. 60: 
20 November 1959 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to protect public safety, security and health.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 22 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 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 
Date of entry into 
force: 1 November 1979 The restriction is 
administered through an import 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 quantity of rice proportionate to their import volumes. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Prohibition of 
imports of rough diamonds from non-participants of 
the Kimberley 
Process 
Registration of 
rough diamond traders and Kimberley Process Certificates (Import) for the import of rough CP 
Registration 
Certificates 7102 10 
7102 21 7102 31 Rough diamonds 
as defined under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme  Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
Date of entry into 
force: 
2 January 2003 The restriction is 
administered through a registration system for rough diamond traders and an import certification system to 
fulfill the international 
obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
Registered rough 
diamond traders can import rough diamonds from the countries or places for which the Scheme are effective or permitted by the  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 23 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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 
diamonds Kimberly Process. 
Export certification 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Non-automatic 
licensing for the import of strategic commodities NAL Strategic commodities listed in the 
Schedules to the Import and Export (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. Article XXI(b)(ii) of 
the GATT 1994  Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 
Date of entry into 
force: 1970 
Import and Export 
(Strategic Commodities) Regulations, Cap. 60G 
Date of entry into 
force: 1965 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing procedure and 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 item Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 24 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Non-automatic 
licensing for the import of textiles products NAL ex Ch. 50-
63 ex Ch. 42 ex Ch. 65 ex Ch. 94 Textiles products 
(i.e. any natural or artificial fibre products and any combination of natural and artificial fibre products in the form of yarn, fabrics, garments or other manufactured articles) Article XX(d) of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 and its subsidiary legislation 
Date of entry into 
force: 1970 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing system for textiles products from the Mainland of China irrespective of the origin of the goods.  The restriction is an integral part of surveillance system to back up Hong Kong’s textiles export control. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/18 Permit for the 
import of waste Permit Non-hazardous recyclables 
(http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/engli
sh/environmentinhk/waste/guide_
ref/files/6schedule.pdf ) except for 
the purpose of reprocessing, 
recycling, recovery or reuse 
Hazardous wastes 
(http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/engli
sh/environmentinhk/waste/guide_
ref/files/7schedule.pdf ) 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: 1996 The restriction is 
administered through a permit system for the import of waste and on an MFN basis in accordance with Hong Kong’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. 
  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2  
 
- 25 - Document symbol 
of notification General 
description Type of 
restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 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 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1. 
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:  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/2 
 
- 26 - 
 
  ANNEX 
SYMBOLS TO BE USED IN NOTIFICATIONS OF QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS1 
P Prohibition 
CP Prohibition except under defined conditions 
GQ Global quota GQC Global quota allocated by country 
BQ Bilateral quota (i.e. anything less than a global quota) 
NAL Non-automatic licensing STR Quantitative restriction made effective through state-trading operations 
MXR Mixing regulation 
MPR Minimum price, triggering a quantitative restriction VER "Voluntary" export restraint 
Add the following suffixes to the above as appropriate: 
-S Seasonal restriction 
-X Export restriction 
__________  
                                               
1 The symbols, which are indicative, and general descriptions contained in Annex 2 are for notification 
purposes and are without prejudice to Members' rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement.  They are, 
therefore, not intended to define or harmonize the concept of quantitative restrictions under the WTO.