G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
28 September 201 7 
(17-5189) Page: 1/30 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES  
 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT ON  
IMPORT LICENSING PRO CEDURES (201 7)1 
 HONG KONG, CHINA 
The following communication2, dated 26 September 201 7, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Hong Kong, China.  
 
_______________  
 
 
In accordance with Article 7.3 of the WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, 
Hong Kong,  China submits herewith its reply to the Annual Questionnaire. The c hanges for this 
year include (i) the implementation of the Dutiable Commodities System under section 3.1; and 
(ii) the update on the schedules of chemicals under section 6.2.  The Annexes referred to in the 
notificati on are kept in the Secretariat for reference.  
 
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Table of contents  
1   TRADE AND INDUSTRY D EPARTMENT  ................................ ................................ ..........  2 
1.1   Importation of strategic commodities  ................................ ................................ .............  2 
1.2   Import licensing system on rice, rough diamonds, pesticides, and ozone depleting 
substances  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  5 
2   DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH  ................................ ................................ ............................  9 
2.1   Import licensing system on pharmaceutical products and medicines, proprietary 
Chinese medicines and 36 Chinese herbal medicines , and radioactive substances and 
irradiating apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
3   CUSTOMS AND EXCISE D EPARTMENT  ................................ ................................ ........  11 
3.1   Import licensing system for dutiable commodities  ................................ ........................... 11 
3.2   Import licensing system for contr olled chemicals (for substances listed in 
schedules  1 and 2 of the control of chemicals ordinance, chapter 145 only) ............................... 13 
3.3   Import licensing system for optical d isc mastering and replication equipment  .................... 14 
4   CIVIL ENGINEERING AN D DEVELOPMENT DEPART MENT  ................................ ...........  16 
4.1   Import control system for sand  ................................ ................................ .................... 16 
                                                
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  
2 This notification replaces the notification circulated in document G/LIC/N/3/HKG/ 20 dated 
12 September 201 6.  Annexes I -XXIX referred to in the notification are available for consultation in the 
Secretariat (Market Access Division).  Most of the Annexes c an also be viewed/downloaded from the webpages 
specified.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  5   AGRICULTURE, FISHERI ES AND CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT  ................................  17 
5.1   Import control on plants, plant p ests and soil  ................................ ................................ .17 
5.2   Import licensing system for endangered species of animals and plants  .............................. 19 
5.3   Import control on live animals  ................................ ................................ ...................... 20 
5.4   Import control on pesticides  ................................ ................................ ......................... 22 
6   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION DEPARTMENT  ................................ ..........................  24 
6.1   Import control on waste  ................................ ................................ .............................. 24 
6.2   Import control on non -pesticide hazardous chemicals  ................................ ...................... 26 
7   FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT AL HYGI ENE DEPARTMENT  ................................ ...............  29 
7.1   Import control on frozen or chilled meat and poultry  ................................ ....................... 29 
 
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1  TRADE AND INDUSTRY  DEPARTMENT  
1.1  Importation of strategic commodities  
Outline of Systems  
1.  The licensing  control system on the import of  strategic commodities is administered  by the 
Trade and Industry Department.  However, certain strategic commodities such as arms and 
ammunition, explosives and radio transmitting equipment  are also subject to the controls 
administered by  other government departments . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Import licences are required for strategic commodities.  Examples of strateg ic commodities  
include certain arms and ammunition, explosives, nuclear materials, facilities and equipment,  body 
armours, carbon fibres and prepregs, high-speed digital computers, microprocessors made from 
compound semiconductors, sophisticated communicat ion system s, encryption equipment for 
information security, night vision image intensifier systems, chemical weapon precursors and 
manufacturing facilities, certain biological agents, plant pathogens and related manufacturing 
equipment, and facilities and articles for a use relating to nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.  
 
3.  The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any places . 
 
4.  The import licensing system on strategic commodities is not intended to restrict the quantity  or 
value of imports.  Instead, it is to prevent HKSAR from being used as a conduit for proliferation of 
weapons of mass destruction  and to ensure HKSAR's continuous access to technology and 
high-tech products.  
 
5.  The import licensing system is a statuto ry requirement maintained under respective Ordinances 
and their subsidiary legislation under the Laws of Hong Kong (see below).  Legislation does not 
leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Any changes 
such a s subjecting a new product to import licensing or removal of an existing product there fore 
require legislative approval.    
 
Strategic commodities are subject to the control of the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) 
Regulations made under the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap . 60, Laws of  Hong Kong.  Certain 
strategic commodities are also subject to the controls of other Ordinances:  
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  Products  Relevant Ordinances  
(a) Radio transmitting equipment   Sections 8 and 9 of the Telecommunications 
Ordinance, Cap. 106. 
(b) Arms, ammunition and explosives  Arms and ammunition are controlled under 
Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238 
and explosives are controlled under Dangerous 
Goods Ordinance, Cap. 295.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Licence applications should be lodged in advance of importation taking into account the 
processing time required by the Trade and Industry Department, which is normally  
2.5 clear working days for import licence applications covering strategic commodities, and 
the processing time of other  departments:  
 
 (i) Hong Kong Police Force (for arms and ammunition): normally 2 working days (by 
hand) or 9 working days (by post) for a Limited Licence for Possession ; 24 working 
days for an Exemption  or a Licence for Poss ession;  and 6 to 12 months  for the Arms 
Dealer's Licence,  provided that full details are given by the applicant.   
 (ii) Office of the Communications Authority (for radio transmitting equipment): 
within  4 working days for Radio Dealers Licence and 1 clear working day for Import 
Permit.  
 (iii) Marine Department (for direct transhipment of explosives in vessels): 48 hours before 
arrival of the goods.  
 (iv) Civil Engineering and Development Department (for approving the explosives for use 
in Hong Kong): writte n approval will be issued to the applicant within 7 working days 
when all the information/documents required are provided and found to be 
satisfactory . 
 
(b) Requests for expeditious processing of i mport licence  application will be entertained when 
there are sufficient justifications.  For strategic commodities  imported without a licence 
owing to unforeseen circumstances , based on the merit of individual cases, consideration 
will be given to issuing a n import licence  retrospectively on an except ional basis.  
 
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application s for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) Trade and Industry Department is responsible for the processing and approval of strategic 
commodities licences.   For applications concerning arms, ammunition, explosives and radio 
transmitting equipment, the importer has to separately approach the relevant government 
departments in paragraph 1.1.7(a) above for endorsement on import or legitimate 
possession of the s ubject products.   
 
8.  Applications for import of strategic commodities for legitimate use would normally be approved, 
unless there is doubt on the end -use of the goods or there is suspicion that the items imported 
may be re -exported illegally.  Import lic ence applications may also be refused in cases where an 
international trade sanction on the exporting country / place  is in force.  In the case of refusal to 
issue a licence, the reasons will be given.  The applicant has a right to appeal to the Chief 
Execu tive of the HKSAR by writing to  the Chief Secretary for Administration .  The right to appeal to 
the Chief Executive is statutorily provided.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All firms , institutions and individuals in Hong Kong  are eligibl e to apply for import licences 
except under special circumstances where licensing facilities to them are denied owing to 
malpractice of the firm/institution /individual  or some other special reasons.   
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  For the purpose of maintaining interference control, a ny person who imports or exports radio 
transmitting equipment (except equipment which is article in transit or transhipment cargo3) is 
required to obtain a permit from  the Office of the Communications Authority unless he is a holder 
of a "Radio Dealers Licence (Unrestricted) " issued by the Communications Authority to deal in the 
course of trade or business in radio transmitting apparatus.  
 
For arms and ammunition, all fi rms, institutions and individuals must obtain an Exemption , an 
Arms Dealer's Licence  or a Licence for Possession from the Hong Kong Police Force  before applying 
for a Limited Licence for Possession and an import licence from the Hong Kong Police Force and 
the Trade and Industry Department respectively.   The prescribed fee for a Limited Licence for 
Possession is HK$ 105; Licence for Possession is HK$ 2,370 ; an Exemption is HK$ 620; and a n Arms  
Dealer's Licence is from HK$ 5,460  to HK$ 12,850 . 
 
Civil Engineering and Development Department will only include the explosives  which are suitable 
for use in Hong Kong into the "List of Approved Explosives for Use in Hong Kong " (the List4).  The 
importer (a person or company) must first apply to the Civil Engineering and D evelopment 
Department and get the explosives included on the List  before importing them.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  A sample form is at Annex I5.  Catalogues/technical specifications of the products under 
application have to be lodged with the application for technical assessment  purpose.  As the case 
warrants, additional supporting documents/information may be required to substantiate the case.  
 
For arms and ammunition, samples of application forms for a Licence for Possession, a Limited 
Licence for Possession, an Exemption and an Arms Dealer 's Licence mentioned in 
paragraph  1.1.7(a)(i ) are at Annexes II, III, IV and V6 respectively.  
 
For radio transmitting equipment, samples of application forms for Rad io Dealers Licence and 
Import Permit mentioned in paragraph 1.1.7(a)(ii)  are at Annexes VI and VII7 respectively.  
 
For explosives, samples of application forms for approval of blasting explosives and non -blasting 
explosives for use in Hong Kong mentioned i n paragraph 1.1.7(a)(iv) are at Annexes VIII and IX8 
respectively.  
   
11.  A valid  import licence is required  upon actual importation.  
 
12.  No licensing fee is charged  for the Import Licence for Strategic Commodities .  
 
13.  No deposit or advance pa yment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  An import licence covering strategic commodities is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.  
The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances.  
                                                
3 Radio transmitting equipment in transit is exempted from the licensing requirement.  In addition, radio 
transmitting equipment which is transhipment cargo is subject to a pre -notification system f or trade facilitation 
purpose.  
4 The List can be viewed at:  http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/services/mines_quarries/mqd_explosives.html  
(English version) . 
5 Sample of the form can be viewed at: 
http://www.stc.tid.gov.hk/english/download/files/il_paper_form.pdf  (English version) . 
6 The application forms can be downloaded from:  http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/08_forms/  (English 
version) . 
7 The application forms can be downloaded from : 
http://www.ofca.gov.hk/filemanager/ofca/common/electronic_services/licenses_application/A112.pdf  
(Annex  VI) (English and Chinese versions) and 
http://www.ofca.gov.hk/filemanager/ofca/common/electronic_services/licenses_application/a120.pdf  
(Annex  VII) (English and Chinese versions) . 
8 The application forms can be downloaded from:  
http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/forms/doc/explosive.pdf  (Annex VIII) (English version) and  
http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/forms/doc/non_explosive.pdf  (Annex IX) (English version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  Importers should ho wever return an unused licence to the 
Trade and Industry Department for cancellation.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  An import licence concerning strategic commodities  is usually issued with the following 
conditions :  "Re -export must be covered by an export  licence issued by the Director -General of 
Trade and Industry " and "The goods covered by this licence are not to be used in relation to 
nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or missile capable of delivering these weapons".  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative /procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
1.2  Import licensing system on rice, rough diamonds, pesticides, and ozone  depleting 
substances  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Licences /certificates  are required for import of rice  (unless for purposes specifically exempted 
under the  relevant legislation) , rough diamonds, pesticides, and ozone depleting substances.   
These import measures  are applied for health, environmental protection reasons, to maintain a 
stable supply of rice and a reserve stock for emergencies, or for fulfilment of HKSAR's international 
obligations.  The licensing  system for the above products is primarily operated by the Trade and 
Industry Department.  Ozone depleting substances import licences are issued by the Trade and 
Industry Department under delegation from  the Environmental Protection Department.  Import 
licences for pesticides (strictly for quarantine and pre -shipment cargo treatment)  containing 
methyl bromide , an ozone depleting substance, are issued by the Trade and Industry Department.   
 
Purposes and C overage of Licensing  
2.  Import licensing is intended for the following purposes:  
 
 Products  Purposes  
(a) Rice  Maintaining a stable supply and  a reserve stock 
for emergenc ies. 
(b) Rough diamonds  International obligation . 
(c) Pesticides  Public health.  
(d) Ozone depleting substances  Environmental protection.  
 
3.  The system applies to products coming from all places except items (b) and (d) of 
paragraph  1.2.2 above .  For item (b), all imports of rough diamonds from non -participants of the 
Kimberley Process9 have been banned since 2 January 2003.  For item ( d), the imports of ozone 
depleting substances are banned unless such imports are allowed under the Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
4.  The principal objective of the import licensing /certification  system is not to restrict the quantity 
or value of imports, but for purposes set out in paragraph 1.2.2 above .  A quantitative limit is 
imposed for imports of some ozone depleting substances to ensure  that the amount of ozone  
depleting substances retained for local consumption does not exceed levels agreed under the 
Montreal Protocol.  
 
5.  The import licensing /certification  system is a statutory requirement maintained under 
respective Ordinances under the Laws of Hong Kong (s ee below).  Legislation does not leave 
                                                
9 The Kimberley Process is a negotiating forum originated from discussions in the United Nations 
Gener al Assembly regarding rebel activities in some parts of Africa.  The forum aims at stopping trade in 
"conflict diamonds " from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of rebel movements and illicit proliferation  of 
armament.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  designation of product to be subjected to licensing /certification  to administrative discretion.  Any 
changes such as subjecting a new product to import licensing /certification  or removal of an 
existing product therefr om require legislative approval.  
 
Products  Relevant Ordinances  
(a) Rice Reserved Commodities Ordinance, Cap. 296.  
(b) Rough diamonds  Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import and 
Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 . 
(c) Pesticides  
 Pesticides Ordinance,  Cap. 133.  
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import and 
Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  
(d) Ozone depleting substances  Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance, Cap. 403.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Having all other ozone  depleting substances (except for essential or critical uses) fully banned, 
only the importation of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for local consumption is subject to 
quantitative restriction:  
 
I. Under the current quota allocation system, annual quotas are allocated on a pro rata basis 
among  the exi sting registered importers , based on their 12-month performance  (from 
November of the preceding year to October of the current year) as normal quotas.   If there 
are any unallocated normal quotas and/or any quantities of HCFCs that are exported from 
Hong Ko ng to other places in the control period, the amount will be allocated to the free 
quotas which  are open to all applicants on a first-come -first-serve d basis.  Before the end 
of the control period, l etters are sent to existing registered importers informing them the 
normal quotas allocation for the subsequent control year.  Within the control period, all 
registered importers could also apply for free quotas.  However, for the registered 
importers who have been allocated  normal quotas, they cannot apply for free quota until 
their normal quotas have been exhausted.  A common ceiling of a certain amount of quota 
is assigned to each individual importer applying for free quotas.  Information concerning  
the quota allocation an d licensing system s is available  to the general public through a 
website:  
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/ozone_layer_protectio n/wn6_info
.html .  Information on the total amount of quota under the  quota allocation system is also 
available upon request.  
 
II. The size of quotas , which is calculated on yearly basis,  is determined according to the 
requirements of the Montreal Protocol .  Licences are issued to registered companies on 
individual consignment basis.  
 
III. The Government will closely monitor the utilization of quotas and licences.  Importers are 
required to notify the Tr ade and Industry Department of details of the import within 
14 days after importation.  Unused allocations will not be carried forward  to the quotas for 
the succeeding control period because the maximum level for each control period i.e. per 
calendar year is fixed  in accordance with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol . 
 
IV. Submission of applications for licences may be made at any time.  However, applications 
for imports of HCFCs for local consumption will only be considered if the applicants have 
enough valid quotas or sufficient quotas could be allocated to the applicants for the 
relevant control period.  Methyl bromide could be imported with a valid licence provided 
that importers have obtained a valid P esticide s Permit from the Agriculture, Fisher ies and 
Conservation Department and the import of methyl bromide is restricted to quarantine and 
pre-shipment applications.  
 
V. Import licences are normally issued in 2 clear working days.  
 
VI. The current control period for ozone depleting substances is f rom 1 January to 
31 December  2017.  To facilitate imports at the beginning of the succeeding  control 
period, the Trade and Industry  Department will provide licensing service about 1 week 
prior to the expiry of the current control period.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  VII. Importers only need to approach the Trade and Industry  Department for registration and 
application and issue of licences.  
 
VIII. Normal quotas are allocated to registered importers with regard to their performance in 
the previous control period.  Free quot as for HCFCs , if available,  are allocated throughout 
the control period to all eligible applicants (see para graph  1.2.9(c) below ), including new 
importers, on a first-come -first-serve d basis.  A common ceiling of a certain amount of 
quota is assigned to ea ch individual importer applying for free quota.  Registered  importers 
can also acquire the quotas through quota transfer from the existing  normal  quota holders.  
 
IX-X. Not applicable.  
 
XI. In the case of import for re -export where quotas will not be debite d against the import 
quota, combined "import and export licence" or separate licences where applicable, will be 
issued on condition that the goods will have to be exported in full within the validity period 
of the licences . 
 
7.(a) Application for import li cences /certificates  should be lodged in advance of importation 
taking into account the processing time.  The processing time is 1 clear working day for 
rice and 2 clear working days for  ozone  depleting substances and methyl bromide.  As 
regards the import certificates for rough diamonds, instant service is provided.  
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence /certificate  and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) The Trade and Industry Department is the sole administrative organ  for the processing and 
approval of import licences/certificates . 
 
8.  Under normal circumstances, an application for an import licence /certificate  is usually granted 
if it meets the ordinary criteria.  In the event of refusal, the reasons will be given.  Applicants  for 
items  2(a), (b)  and (c) above  may appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR in the event of 
refusal to issue an import licence /certificates .  The Chief Executive may confirm, vary or reverse 
the decision of the Director -General of Trade and Industry.  The right to appeal to the Chief 
Executive is provided in relevant statutes .  For item 2( d), applicants may appeal to the 
Administ rative Appeals Board against decision of refusal to grant a licence by the Director of 
Environmental Protection.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) For rice, under normal circumstances, only stockholders registered with the Trade and 
Industry Department may import rice into Hong Kong for local consumption.  Registration 
is free of charge and open to any person/entity carrying on a business registered in 
Hong Kong.   
 
(b) For rough diamond s, a person carrying on a business  of importing roug h diamonds must 
be registered with the Trade and Industry Department first before it can apply for an 
import certificate.  Registration is open to all persons  on payment of a fee of HK$ 645 (valid 
for 2 years).  There is no published  list of registered rough diamond traders . 
 
(c) For ozone depleting substances, a company is required to register with the Trade and 
Industry Department before it can apply for an import licence.  Registration is open to all 
companies on payment of a fee of HK$ 2,430 (valid for 2 calendar years).  A list of 
registered importers is available upon request.  
 
(d) For pesticides  (methyl bromide) , a company is required to hold a pesticide s permit issued 
by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before it can apply for an 
import licence except where the pesticide is being imported on a valid through bill of 
lading.  If imported on such a bill of lading, no pesticide s permit is required.  Application 
for a pesticide s permit is open to all business enterprises wishing to deal  in pesticides.  A G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  fee is charged for the permit, which may range from HK$ 985 to HK$ 1,650  depending on 
the type of permit.  There is no published list of permitted importers.    
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence /Certificate  
10.  In general, i nformation to be supplied includes particulars of the importer, of the importation 
and of the products to be imported.  Certain documents are also required to support 
licence /certificate  applications of the following products:  
 
Products  Documents  
(a) Rough diamonds  A copy of the Kimberley Process Certificate 
issued by the relevant exporting country/place . 
(b) Pesticides  (methyl bromide)  A pesticide s permit issued by the Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation Department 
authorizing the importer to trade in pesticides 
or a valid through bill of lading.  
 
11.  The import licence is the only document required on actual importation.  
 
12.  Apart from applications covering ozone depleting substances  and rough diamonds , no 
licensing fee is required for import licence applications.  For ozone depleting substances licence s, a 
fee of HK$ 815 and HK$1,210 is charged on the issue of a n import  licence  and a com bined "import 
and export licence " respectively .  The price of ozone  depleting substances import licence forms and 
combined "import and export licence " forms are HK $28 per pad (containing 5 sets) and HK$34 per 
pad (containing 5 sets) respectively.  The pric e of non -textiles import licence forms is HK$21 per 
pad (containing 20  sets)/HK$3 per set.  For rough diamonds import certificate, a fee of HK$175 is 
charged on the issue of a certificate.  Application for rough diamonds import certificate may be 
lodged through downloadable application form which is free of charge . 
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Unless otherwise stated, a n import licence /certificate  is valid for 28 days for rough diamonds, 
6 weeks for rice, 60 days for ozone depleting substances  and pesticides (methyl bromide).  The 
period of validity can be extended by the Director -General of Trade and Industry depending on the 
merits of individual requests.  
 
15. No penalty for non -utilization. Importers shoul d however cancel or amend the 
licences /certificates . 
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  Apart from the licensing /certification  conditions printed on the front or back of the import 
licence /certificate  (samples of the Import Licence Form 3 applicable to items (a ) and (c) in 
paragraph  1.2.2, Import Licence Form and Combined "Import and Export Licence " Form for 
item (d) in para graph  1.2.2 are at Annexes X, XI and XII10 respectively), additional conditions set 
out in Annex XIII are applicable to rice  imported for local consumption and for re -export 
respectively.   Sample of the Import Certificate for item (b) in paragraph 1.2.2 is at Annex XI V11. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
                                                
10 Samples of these forms can be vie wed at:   
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version) . 
11 The application form can be downloaded at :  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/publicform/nontextiles/files/tid503a.pdf  (English version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  2  DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH  
2.1  Import licensing system on pharmaceutical products and medicines, proprietary 
Chinese medicines and 36 Chinese herbal medicines, and radioactive substances and 
irradiating apparatus  
Outline of System s 
1.  Licences are required for import of pharmaceutical products and medicines, proprietary Chinese 
medicines and 36 Chinese herbal medicines, and radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus.   
These import measures  are applied for safety, health, security, or for fulfilment of HKSAR's 
international obligations.  Import licences for these pro ducts are issued by the Department of 
Health under delegation from the Trade and Industry Department.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Import licensing is intended for the following purposes:  
 
 Products  Purposes  
(a) Pharmaceutical products and 
medicines  Public health.  
(b) Proprietary Chinese medicines and 
36 Chinese herbal medicines  Public health.  
(c) Radioactive substances and 
irradiating apparatus  International obligation, public safety, security 
and health.  
 
3.  The system applies to products coming from all places.  
 
4.  The principal objective of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports, but for purposes set out in paragraph 2.1.2 above.  
 
5.  The import licensing system is a statutory requiremen t maintained under respective Ordinances 
under the Laws of Hong Kong (see below).  Legislation does not leave designation of product to be 
subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  Any changes such as subjecting a new product 
to import licensin g or removal of an existing product therefrom require legislative approval.  
 
Products  Relevant Ordinances  
(a) Pharmaceutical products and 
medicines  Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap. 138.  
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import 
and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  
(b) Proprietary Chinese medicines and 
36 Chinese herbal medicines  Chinese Medicine Ordinance, Cap. 549.  
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import 
and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  
(c) Radioactive substances and 
irradiating apparatus  Radiation Ordinance, Cap. 303.  
Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations, 
Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for import licences should be lodged in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  The processing time is 1 clear working day for radioactive 
substances and irradiating apparatus; and 2 working days for pharmaceutical prod ucts and 
medicines; and proprietary Chinese medicines and 36 Chinese herbal medicines.  
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
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  (d) Department of Health is the sole administrative organ for the processing and approval of 
import licences.  
 
8.  Under normal circumstances, an application for an import licence is usually granted if it meets 
the ordinary criteria.  In the event of refusal, the reasons will be given.  Applicants  may appeal to 
the Chief Executive of the HKSAR in the event of refusal to issue an import licence.  The Chief 
Executive may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Dire ctor-General of Trade and Industry.  
The right to appeal to the Chief Executive is provided in relevant statutes .   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) For import of radioactive substances or irradiating apparatus, a separate Radioactive 
Substance s Licence or Irradiating Apparatus Licence, as appropriate, issued by the 
Radiation Board is required.  
 
 Radioactive Substances Licence: the applicant is required, inter alia , to appoint a person to 
supervise the activities under the licence.  The supervisor should have undergone the 
necessary training on radiation protection recognised by the Radiation Board.  Licence fee 
is HK$ 3,190 . 
 
 Irradiating Apparatus Licence: for sale of irradiating apparatus in Hong Kong , the applicant 
is required to provi de the specifications of the irradiating apparatus, and test reports 
showing conformance with international standards, for assessment by the Radiation Board.  
Licence fee is HK$570.  
 
(b) For pharmaceutical products  and medicines , only those products which have been 
registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board are allowed to be imported for the 
purpose of local sale or distribution.  A company is required to hold an appropriate dealer's 
licence issued by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board before it can apply f or an import 
licence.  Application for the dealer's licence is open to all business enterprises dealing in 
pharmaceutical products and medicines.  A fee is charged for the licence, which may range 
from HK$625 to HK$2,680 depending on the type of licence.  There is a published list of 
licensed wholesale  dealers  and manufacturers  in the Drug Office website: 
http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk . 
 
(c)  For proprietary Chinese medicines, only those product s which have been re gistered with 
the Chinese Medicine Board are  allowed to be imported for the purpose of local sale or 
distribution.  Application for import licence is also required for import of proprietary 
Chinese medicines for re -export purpose.  For Chinese herbal medic ines, applications are 
required only for import of 36 Chinese herbal medicines ( 31 Chinese herbal medicines in 
Schedule 1 and 5 Chinese herbal medicines in Schedule 2 ).  A company is required to hold 
an appropriate trade r's licence issued by the Chinese Me dicine Board  before it can apply 
for an import licence.  Application for the trader' s licence is open to all business enterprises 
conducting business  in proprietary Chinese medicines and Chinese herbal medicines.  A fee 
is charged for the licence, which ma y range from HK$ 1,210  to HK$ 3,180  depending on the 
type of licence.  There is a published list of licensed Chinese medicines traders  in the 
Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong  website: http://www.cmchk.org.hk . 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  In general, i nformation to be supplied includes particulars of the importer , of the importation 
and of the products to be imported.  Certain documents are also required to support lice nce 
applications of the following products:  
 
Products  Documents  
(a) Radioactive substances and irradiating 
apparatus  A copy of the Radioactive Substances Licence or 
Irradiating Apparatus Licence as appropriate 
issued by the Radiation Board.  
(b) Proprietary Chinese medicines and 
36 Chinese herbal medicines  A copy of valid trader's licence issued by the 
Chinese Medicines Board.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Products  Documents  
(c) Pharmaceutical products and 
medicines  A copy of valid trader ’s licence issued by the 
Pharmacy and Poisons Board.  
 
11.  The import licence is the only document required on actual importation.  
 
12.  No licensing fee is required for import licence applications.   
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Unless otherwise stated, a n import licence is valid for 6 months.  The period of validity can be 
extended by the Director -General of Trade and Industry depending on the merits of individual 
requests.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  Importers should however cancel or amend the licences.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  The licensing conditions are printed on the front or back of the import licence s (sample s of the 
Import Licence Form 3 and Import Licence Form for Radioactive Substance and Irradiating 
Apparatus  are at Annex es X12 and XV13 respectively ). 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  A removal permit which is issued free of charge by the Radiation Board on behalf of the 
Commissioner for Labour, is required for moving radioactive substance on vehicles or vessels 
within the HKSAR.  Each conveyance of radioactive substance should be under the supervision of 
the owner, consignor of the substances or his representative authorised in that behalf, who are 
holding recognised qualifications o n radiological protection.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
3  CUSTOMS AND EXCISE D EPARTMENT  
3.1  Import licensing system for dutiable commodities  
Outline of Systems  
1.  The import of dutiable commodi ties (tobacco, liquors with an alcoholic s trength of more than 
30 per cent by volume measured at temperature of 20°C, methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon oil) is 
controlled through (i) licensing of importers and (ii) issuing of removal permits.  An importer has  
to be licensed with the Customs and Excise Department before he can apply for removal permit for 
import and removal of dutiable commodities.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Removal permit is issued to licensed importers by the Customs and Excise D epartment to 
control the import and movement of dutiable commodities.  
 
3.  The system applies to dutiable commodities coming from all places outside HKSAR.  
 
                                                
12 Sample of Import Licence Form 3 can be viewed at:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/files/tra187.pdf  (English and Chinese versions) . 
13 Sample of Import Licence Form for Radioactive Substance and Irradiating Apparatus can be viewed at: 
http://www.info.gov.hk/dh -rhu/common_pdf/Import%20licence%20Form -%20electronic%20form%20TRA -
RSIA%2 02014.pdf  (English and Chinese versions).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 12 - 
 
  4.  The import licensing system is neither intended to restrict the quantity nor the value of import, 
but to protect and collect the excise duty imposed on the dutiable commodities.  The existing 
licensing system is deemed satisfactory and no alternative method has been considered.  
 
5.  The licence and permit requirement is statutory under the Duti able Commodities Ordinance, 
Cap. 109.  Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required should there be any changes in the 
existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not a pplicable.  
 
7.(a) For an importer to be licensed, the normal application processing time is not more than 
12 working days , upon receipt of all necessary  documents and information from the 
applicants .  Application for removal permit from a licensed importer  should be lodged in 
advance of importation taking into account the processing time.  Normally, the issue of a 
removal permit to a licensed importer  requires  half a working day , upon receipt  of all 
necessary  documents and  information from the applicants.  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request because of the time required to 
process the application, including validation of the information provided by the applicant.  
 
(c) There is no limitation of time during the year on the application for li cence and/or 
importation.  
 
(d) The import licences and removal permits are issued by the Customs and Excise 
Department only.  It is not necessary for the applications to be passed on to other 
departments or authorities for note or approval.  All licence ap plications shall be submitted 
electronically to the Customs and Excise Department through the Dutiable Commodities 
System14.  For the removal permit application, applicants have to lodge  the application 
using the recognized electronic service provided by any of the three electronic service 
provider s specified under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.  
 
8.  Application for an importer to be licensed will normally be approved provided that the 
necessary criteria are met.  In case an application is refused, the reason for the refusal will be 
given to the applicant.  An applicant has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board 
against the decision of refusal to grant an import licence or a removal permit by the Commissioner 
of Customs and Excise.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply to be licensed by the Customs and Excise 
Department.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  For an importer to be licensed, information including particulars of the applicant and the 
premises related to the application has to be provided.  Checklists of supporting documents 
required for licence application and a sample of an approved licence are at Annexes XVI and XVII 
respectively.  A removal permit is required upon actual importation of the dutiable commodities.  
For the application of a removal permit, commercial documents relating to the dutiable 
commodities  may be required . 
 
11.  In relation to import of liquors, a certificate of age /origin  may be required.  
 
12.  The administrative charge for an import licence is HK$ 1,200 for each year .  The issue of a 
removal permit by the Customs and Excise Department  is free of charge,  but a service charge of 
permit application is required by the specified electronic service provider . 
                                                
14 The Dutiable Commodities System is accessible through the website: 
https://www.dcs.customs.gov.hk  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 13 - 
 
  13.  No deposit or advance payment is required  under normal circumstance s. 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The import licence for dutiable commodities is valid for 1 year which can be renewed upon 
application on a yearly basis.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  The Commissioner of Customs and Excise may impose special conditions or restrictions in 
particular cases as he thinks fit.  
 
Other Procedu ral Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
3.2  Import licensing system for controlled chemicals (for substances listed in 
schedules  1 and 2 of the control of chemicals ordinan ce, chapter 145 only)  
Outline of Systems  
1.  The import of controlled chemicals is controlled t hrough (i) licensing of importers and 
(ii) issuing of import authorization.  An importer has to be licensed with the Customs and Excise 
Department before he can apply for an import authorization to import the controlled chemicals for 
each consignment.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Import authorization is issued to licensed importers by the Customs and Excise Department to 
regulate the import of controlled chemicals.  
 
3.  The system applies to controlled chemicals coming from any places outside the  HKSAR.  
 
4.  The import licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity nor the value of import, but 
to prevent diversion of controlled chemicals into illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances.  It is deemed satisfactory and no alternative method has been 
considered.  
 
5.  The licence requirement is statutory under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance, Cap.  145.  
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Leg islative approval is required should there be any changes in the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for licences and import authorization should be lodged in advance of 
importation taking into account the processing time.  For an importer to be licensed, the 
normal processing time would be 14 days.  The licensed importer has to lodge an Import 
Authorization Application and supporting documents at least 4 working days before the 
actual importation of controlled chemicals.  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request because of the time required to 
process the application.  
 
(c) There is no limitation of time during the year on the application for licence and/or 
importation.  
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 14 - 
 
  (d) The Customs and Excise Department is t he sole administrative authority responsible for 
the processing and approval of licence and import authorization applications.   
 
8.  Licences will normally be granted to established companies, hospitals and educational or 
scientific organizations on appli cation.  In case an application is refused, the reason for the refusal 
will be given to the applicant.  An applicant has right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board 
against the decision of refusal to grant a licence by the Commissioner of Customs a nd Excise.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All importers may apply for an import licence under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance, 
Cap. 145. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  An applicant for a licence is required to provide the Customs and Excise Department with 
information about his personal and company particulars, business address and storage place for 
controlled chemicals, etc. in his application.  For the application of a n import authorization, 
commercial documents relating to the import of controlled chemicals have to be provided.  
Samples of application forms for licence and import authorization are at Annexes XVIII and XIX15 
respectively.  Application through electronic means is also available and acceptable.  
 
11.  The import authorization is the only document required under the Control of Chemicals 
Ordinance, Cap.  145 upon actual importation.  For the import of ephedrine, ps eudoephedrine, 
ergom etrine, ergotamine and norephedrine,  import licences issued by the Department of Health 
under the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap.60 are also required (see section 2 above).  
 
12.  The administrative charge for a licence is HK$ 1,530  for each year and an import authorization 
is free of charge.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The licence is valid for 1 year which can be renewed upon application on yearly basis.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utiliza tion.  Licensee should however surrender his licence and/or import 
authorization for amendment or cancellation where appropriate.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No o ther administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
3.3  Import licensing system for optical disc mastering and replication equipment  
Outline of Systems  
1.  The HKSAR maintains a licensing system for the import  control of Optical Disc Mastering and 
Replication Equipment from all countries.  
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  The system applies to the import of optical disc mastering and replication equipment.  
                                                
15 The application forms can be downloaded from : 
http://www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/chemicals/licence/index.html  (English and Chinese versions) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 15 - 
 
  3.  The system applies to optical disc mastering and replication equipment coming from any places 
outside HKSAR.  
 
4.  The import licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or the value of import, but 
to enforce a robust intellectual property rights regime in HKSAR and to prevent the use of optical 
disc mastering and replication equipment for copyright i nfringing activities.   
 
5.  The licence requirement is statutory under the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  It is not 
possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application f or a licence shall be lodged in advance of importation.  The issue of an import 
licence normally takes 2 working days.  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately upon request.  
 
(c) There is no limitation of time during the year where application for lice nce and/or 
importation can be made.  
 
(d) The Customs and Excise Department is the sole administrative organ responsible for the 
consideration of licence application.  
 
8.  Application for a licence will be approved provided the ordinary criteria are met.  I n the case an 
application is refused, the reasons for the refusal will be given to the applicant.  The applicant may 
appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR against the refusal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All persons, firms and i nstitutions are eligible to apply for the licence.   
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  An applicant for a licence is required to provide the Customs and Excise Department with 
particulars of the applicant or his compa ny and the arrival details, etc. in the application.  Related 
supporting documents have to be provided.  Sample of the application form is at Annex X16.  
 
11.  The import licence is the only document required upon actual importation.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The licence is valid only  for 6 months from the date of issue.  It may cover partial shipments 
within the 6-month period.  Extension of v alidity may also be granted on application . 
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prio r to importation.  
                                                
16 The sample form can be viewed at:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/files/tra187.pdf  (English and Chinese versions) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 16 - 
 
  19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
4  CIVIL ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT  
4.1  Import control system for sand  
Outline of Systems  
1.  A permit to transport sand in HKSAR is required under the Sand Ordinance.  The permit system 
enables the protect ion of beaches and seabed in HKSAR.  Permits are issued by the Civil 
Engineering and Development Department (CED D). 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Permits issued by CED D are required for the importation of sand in excess of 100 kg.  
 
3.  The system applies to natural sand imported from all  places.   Processed sand and washed sand 
are not covered by the Ordinance.  
 
4.  The permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports but to provide a 
mechanism to enable the protection of beaches and seabed in HKSAR.  
 
5.  The permit syste m is statutorily required under Section 3 of the Sand Ordinance, Cap. 147.  
Any changes to the permit system will require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Permits to import sand are issued upon written application.  Permit appli cation should be 
lodged in advance of importation taking into account the processing time whic h takes not 
more than 2 working days.  
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a permit can be granted immediately upon written request.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the  period of the year during which permit applications may 
be made.  
 
(d) CEDD is the sole administrative organ regarding the processing and approval of application 
for importation of sand.  
 
8.  Applications for a permit will not be refused if the ordinary cr iteria are met.  Reasons for refusal 
will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  Only sand buyers and import companies are eligible to apply for sand permits.  There is no 
registrat ion fee.  There is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  Information required relates to source, quantity and destination, contract documents between 
importer and exporter, expor t licence issued by the exporting countries. Sample of the application  
form for a Sand Removal Permit (for Removal and Transportation of Sand in Hong Kong) and a 
sample of the Permit are  at Annex es XX17 and XXI  respectively .  
 
11.  Proof of valid vehicular or vessel licence.  
 
12.  No fees are charged for sand permits.  
                                                
17 The application form can be downloaded from:  http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/forms/fm/index.html   
(English and Chinese versions) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 17 - 
 
  13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The validity of Permit  is determined by the validity date of the export licence issued by the 
exporting country for a maximum of 30 days.  This period can be extended upon application.  A 
new permit will be issued.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  Permits are not transfe rable. 
 
17.  The condition of Permit is at Annex XXII.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  The Mainland river trade cargo vessels engaging in importation of sand from the Mainland are 
required to be registered through a local shipping agent with Harbour C ontrol Section of the 
Immigration Department  and to obtain a Notice of Direction (Sand Barge Route) from Marine 
Department  prior to importation.   
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
5  AGRICULTURE , FISHERIES  AND CONSERVATION  DEPARTMENT  
5.1  Import control on plants, plant pests and soil  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Import licences, supported by phytosanitary  certificates, are required for import of plants.  
Prior authorizations are required for import of plant pest or soil.  
 
Plant quarantine requirements are framed under the Plant (Importation and Pest Control) 
Ordinance , Cap. 207 administered by the Agricult ure, Fisheries  and Conservation  Department.  All 
principles and procedures are based on the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific 
Region and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  For imp ort of plants, a Plant Import Licence (PIL) issued by the Agriculture , Fisheries  and 
Conservation  Department is required.  "Plant" includes timber, trees, shrubs, leaves, roots, 
flowers, fruits, tubers, bulbs, corms, stocks, cuttings, layers, slips, sucker s, seeds, and any part of 
a plant whether or not intended for growing, planting or propagation or from which further plants 
may be grown, planted or propagated.  
 
For import of plant pests or soil, an authorization in writing (AIW) issued by the Director of  
Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation is required.  "Plant pest" means any bacterium, fungus, 
virus, mycoplasma, alga or other plant or any invertebrate animal which is capable of being 
injurious or destructive to plants.  "Soil" includes earth, sand, c lay and peat.  
 
3.  PIL and AIW apply to plants originating in and coming from all places outside HKSAR.  The only 
exception is the exemption for plants and soil imported from any place in China  outside 
Hong Kong. 
 
4.  Neither PIL nor AIW is intended to res trict the quantity or value of imports.  The sole purpose is 
to establish an effective means for plant quarantine to prevent the spread of plant pest in 
compliance with the recommendations of the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific 
Region  and the IPPC . 
 
5.  PIL and AIW are statutory instruments under the Plant (Importation and Pest Control) 
Ordinance, Cap. 207.  Legislation does not leave designation of plant to be subjected to licensing G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 18 - 
 
  to administrative discretion.  It is not possible for the Government of HKSAR to abolish the system 
without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for PIL or AIW should be lodged in advance of importation.  It should be taken 
into account that processing of applications takes  2 clear working days.  
 
(b) PIL, but not AIW, can be granted immediately on request when there is a genuine need 
under exceptional cases.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
importation can be made.  
 
(d) Both PIL and AIW are administered by the Agriculture , Fisheries  and Conservation  
Department.  No other administrative body is involved.  
 
8.  Application of PIL and AIW will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  The reasons for 
any refusal are a lways given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chief Executive of 
the HKSAR by notice in writing within 14 days from the date when he was informed of the 
decision.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All persons, firms and i nstitutions are eligible to apply for PIL and AIW without any 
pre-conditional requirement.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The required information is outlined in the sample application form for PIL at Annex XXIII18.  
An additional requirement for AIW is a written justification for the importation.   
 
11.  Upon actual importation, all First Schedule (Part I) plants and Gossypium  spp. must be 
accompanied by a PIL, a valid phytosanitary certificate (PSC) and certificate of 
fumigation/disinfection (CF/D) issued by the exporting country or else the consignment will be 
seized for destruction.  For all other plants, only PIL and PSC ar e required.   Actual importation of a 
plant pest or soil requires AIW and other documents, usually PSC and CF/D stated on the AIW as 
special conditions for the authorization.  
 
12.  No fee is charged for PIL and AIW.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment requi red. 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  The validity for both PIL and AIW is 2 months.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization of PIL or AIW.  
 
16.  Neither PIL nor AIW is transferable.  
 
17.  There may be special quarantine requirements attached to the PIL and AIW.   The conditions 
are based on the principles and procedures recommended by the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection 
Commission  and the IPPC . 
 
                                                
18 The application form can be downloaded from:   
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_plants/qua_plants_pq/qua_plants_pq_imp/files/pprd_11003b.
pdf (English and Chinese versions) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No for eign exchange control.  
 
5.2  Import licensing system for endangered species of animals and plants  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Import licences are required for  the import of (a) endangered species listed in Appendix I of the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ), 
whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives , and (b) live endangered species of wild origin in CITES 
Appendix II .  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Import licences issued by the Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department are required 
for the import of animals and plants listed in CITES Appe ndix I (including their parts and 
derivatives, and things claimed to contain ingredients made from these  endangered species ), and 
live endangered species of wild origin in CITES Appendix II .  Import licences are not required for 
the import of CITES Appendix II species other than live specimens of wild origin and CITES 
Appendix  III species, subject to the production of a valid CITES export permit  or certificate of 
origin.  
 
3.  The import licensing requirement applies to traders as well as individuals importing these items 
from all territories.  
 
4.  The import licensing system is not used to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to 
protect endangered species and to prevent them from over -exploitation in accordance with CITES.  
 
5.  The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Chapter 586 of the 
Laws of Hong Kong which gives effect to CITES.  Under the Ordinance, the Secretary for the 
Environment may, by order published in the Gazette, amend the list of endan gered species  to be 
subjected to licensing requirement .  Any other changes require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for import licences should be lodged in advance of importation (at least 
2 working days or more depe nding on complexity).  However, the issue of a licence is not 
automatic and shipments should not be effected unless and until the licence has been 
issued.  
 
(b) Normally an import licence cannot be granted immediately upon request.  
 
(c) There are no limitat ions as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department is the sole authority in considering 
endangered species aspects but all applications for import l icences have to be supported 
by CITES export permits issued by the exporting economies.   
 
 Moreover, the CITES Secretariat or CITES authority of exporting economies  may have to 
be consulted in certain applications.  
 
8.  Licensing policy follows closely th e provisions and spirit of CITES.  Any applicant aggrieved by a 
decision of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation relating to the issue, refusal or 
cancellation of a licence or any condition specified in a licence may appeal to the Admini strative 
Appeals Board . 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  Any person can lodge an application.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The required information is summarized in the sample application form attached at 
Annex  XXIV19.  With respect to live specimens, controls of and requirements for import of live 
animals and plants also apply.   
 
11.  Import licence issued by the Agricult ure, Fisheries and Conservation Department together 
with original of the CITES Export Permit issued by the exporting economy  are required upon actual 
importation.  
 
12.  The licence fees are as follows:  
 
(a) Import Licence for live animals ( one or more  species)   HK$4 60 
(b) Import Licence other than live animals  (one or more  species)   HK$1 70 
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Import licences  are normally valid for 6 months or less.  The validity of a licence can be 
extended provided that the licensee lodges an application and gives satisfactory justification to the 
Director of Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation before its expiry.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  Standard conditions, covering the requirement of presenting the shipment  together with the 
required licence to authorized officers for inspection, are applicable . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
5.3  Import control on live animals  
Outline of Systems  
1.  A special permit is required for all live animals and birds imported into HKSAR.  The permit 
must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture , Fisheries  and Conservation  Depart ment before 
animals/birds are sent to HKSAR.  The terms and conditions of the permit must be fully complied 
with.  Such animals or birds must be sent into HKSAR as manifest cargo.   
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  A special permit issued by the Agr iculture , Fisheries  and Conservation  Department is required 
for the import of animals or birds.  
 
3.  The system generally applies to any person bringing any animal or bird into HKSAR  from all 
countries .  For non -CITES animals or birds imported directly fro m the Mainland, other rules may 
apply.  
 
                                                
19 The application form can be downloaded from:  
http://afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_end/con_end_lc/con_end_lc_app/files/AF243e06.pdf  (English 
version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 21 - 
 
  4.  The special permit is not used to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to protect public 
and animal health; to provide for public safety and animal welfare; and to prevent cruelty to 
animals.  
 
5.  The s pecial permit system is a statutory requirement under Chapter 139 and/or Chapter  421 
with linkage to Chapter 169 of the Laws of Hong Kong.  Legislation does not leave designation of 
the items to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  Any changes require legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for a special permit should be lodged well in advance of importation (at least 
5 working days).  However, the granting of a special permit is not automatic and 
importa tion must not be arranged unless a permit is obtained in advance.  The applicant 
may, after receiving a permit, need some time to comply with the terms and conditions of 
the permit, and should allow for this.  
 
(b) Depending on circumstance s a special permit may be granted, subject to the payment of 
the prescribed fee.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) The Agriculture , Fisheries  and Conservation  Department has the sole authority to grant 
special permits, and the permits are subject to full compliance with requirements.  
 
8.  Applications may be rejected or refused if requirements cannot be met.  The applicant may 
appeal to the Administrative Appea ls Board.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  Any person may lodge an application.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The required information is summarized in the sample application form at Annex  XXV20. 
 
11.  The special permit and other documents specified by terms/conditions of the permit, and 
documents required under any other legislation are required upon actual importation.  
 
12.  The current fee schedule for special permits is at Annex XXVI21.  
 
13.  Application fees must be paid upon the submission of the application.  The fees are not 
refundable once the permit has been approved . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Permit s are valid for 6 months.  The validity of import permits may be extended for a month 
upon application at a fee of HK$155.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
                                                
20 The application form can be downloa ded from: 
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab_idc/files/AF240_Jul16E.pdf  
(English version).  
21 The fee s chedule can be viewed at: 
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/files/g110_fee_for_special_permit_mar05b.do
c (English  and Chinese version s). G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 22 - 
 
  16.  Permits can be transferable between importers upon application and the payment of 
amendment fee of HK$155. 
 
17.  Yes, varying according to  the type of animal and country of or igin. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control . 
 
5.4  Import control on pesticides  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Licences are required for import of pesticides .  Import licences for pesticides (other than 
methyl bromide) are issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department under 
delegation from the Trade and Industry Department.  Import licences for pesticides (strictly for 
quarantine and pre -shipme nt of cargo treatment)  containing methyl bromide, an ozone depleting 
substance, are issued by the Trade and Industry Department (see section  1.2 above ). 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Import licensing of pesticides is intended for the protection o f public health.  Pesticides means 
any insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, acaricide or any substance ( whether  organic or inorganic) or 
mixture of substances used or intended to be used for preventing, destroying, repelling, attracting, 
inhibiting or contro lling any insect, rodent, bird, nematode, bacterium, fungus, weed or other form 
of plant or animal life or any virus, which is a pest; or any substance or mixture of substances 
used or intended to be used as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant , but does not 
include any purely mechanical device for trapping or catching insects, rodents or other animals; 
any purely electromagnetic or ultrasonic device for the control of mosquitoes, rodents or other 
pests; any antiseptic, disinfecting solution or preparation in clinical or sanitary applications  that is 
neither specified in Schedule 1 nor in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Pesticides Ordinance, Cap. 133 ; 
any pharmaceutical product; and any pesticide not specified in Schedule 1 nor in Part 1 of 
Schedule 2 to the Pesticides Ordinance, Cap. 133 that is contained in an individual package or 
container not exceeding 10g or 10mL and used indoors for laboratory research, chemical analysis 
or as a reference standard.  
 
3.  The system applies to products (other tha n methyl bromide) coming from a ny places.   For 
methyl bromide which is an o zone depleting substance , import from non -parties to the Montreal 
Protocol are banned.  Only imports from Montreal Protocol signatories of methyl bromide are 
allowed for local consu mption starting from 1  January  1995.  The import of methyl bromide is 
restricted to quarantine and pre -shipment applications.  
4.  The principal objective of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports  but for purposes of  protecting public health . 
 
5.  The import control  is a statutory requirement maintained under the Pesticides Ordinance, 
Cap. 133 and the Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60  
under the Laws of Hong Kong.  Legislatio n does not leave designation of product to be subjected to 
licensing to administrative discretion.  Any changes such as subjecting a new product to import 
licensing or removal of an existing product therefrom  require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for import licences should be lodged in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  The processing time is within 1  working day for pesticides 
other than methyl bromide  under normal circumstances and 2 clear working days for 
methyl bromide.  
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 23 - 
 
  (c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which licence applications may 
be made.  
 
(d) The Agriculture, Fisheries a nd Conservation Department is the sole administrative organ 
for the processing and approval of pesticides import licences (other than methyl  bromide) 
whereas an importer has to approach the Trade and Industry Department for the 
processing and approval of i mport licences for methyl bromide.   
 
8.  Under normal circumstances, an application for a  pesticides  import licence is usually approved  
if it meets the ordinary criteria.  In the event of refusal, the reasons will be given.  Applicants may 
appeal to the Ch ief Executive of the HKSAR in the event of refusal to issue an import licence.  The 
Chief Executive may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Director -General of Trade and 
Industry.  The right to appeal to the Chief Executive is statutorily provided .  For methyl bromide, 
applicants may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board against decision of refusal to grant a 
licence  relating to ozone depleting substances  by the Director of Environmental Protection.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Lice nce 
9.  A company is required to hold an appropriate pesticides licence/permit issued by the 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before it can apply for an import licence 
except where the pesticide is being imported on a valid through bill o f lading.  If imported on such 
a bill of lading, no pesticides licence/permit is required.  Application for a pesticides licence/permit 
is open to all business enterprises wishing to deal in pesticides.  A fee is charged for the 
licence/permit, which may r ange from HK$ 575 to HK$ 1,650  depending on the type of 
licence/permit.  There is no published list of licensed/permitted importers.  For methyl bromide  
which is also an ozone depleting substance , a company is further  required to register with the 
Trade and Industry Department before it can apply for an import licence.  Registration is open to 
all companies on payment of a fee of HK$ 2,430  (valid for 2  calendar  years).  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  Information to be supplied includes particulars of the importer, of the importation, of the 
products to be imported and a pesticide s licence or pesticide s permit issued by the Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation Department authorizing the importer to trade in pesticides or a valid 
through bill of lading .  Sample of Import Licence Form 3 is at Annex X22.   
 
11.  The import licence is the only document req uired on actual importation.  
 
12.  Apart from applications for importing methyl bromide , no licensing fee is required for import 
licence applications.  The price of non -textiles import licence forms is HK$ 21 per pad 
(containing  20 sets)/HK$3 per set .  For methyl bromide,  a fee of HK$ 815 and HK$1,210  is charged 
on the issue of a n ozone  depleting substances import licence  and an ozone  depleting substances  
combined "import and export licence " respectively .  The price of ozone  depleting substances 
import licenc e forms and combined "import and export licence " forms are  HK$28 per pad 
(containing 5  sets) and HK$34 per pad (containing 5 sets) respectively . 
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  A pesticides import licence is valid for 6  months.  For methyl bromide, a n ozone depleting 
substances import licence is , unless otherwise stated,  valid for 60 days . 
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization .  Importers should however cancel or amend the licences.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
                                                
22 Sample of Import Licence Form 3 can be viewed at: 
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/files/tra187.pdf  (English and Chinese versions) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 24 - 
 
  17.  The licensing conditions are printed on the front or back of the import licences  (samples of the 
Import Licence Form 3 applicable to pesticides  and Import Licence Form for ozone  depleting 
substances  are at Annexes X and XI23 respectively) . 
 
Other Procedur al Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation . 
 
19.  No foreign exchange  control.  
 
6  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION DEPARTMENT  
6.1  Import control on waste   
Outline of Systems  
1.  The import of waste into HKSAR is controlled under a permit system administered by the 
Environmental Protection Department.  Its requirements are tied in with those of the Basel 
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  A permit is required for import of any waste, unless  the waste is specified in Schedule 6 of the 
Waste Disposal Ordinance, and it is uncontaminated and is intended for recycling or re -use 
purposes.  
 
3.  The permit system applies to wastes originating in and coming from any places outside HKSAR.  
 
4.  Other than those requirements of the Basel Convention, the system is not intended to restrict 
the quantity or value of imports.  It serves to ensure that prior consents among the export, import 
and transit competent authorities  concerned are obtained before  commencement of any waste 
shipment.  It facilitates the continuation of legitimate waste trade and to stop any illegal shipment.  
The system enables HKSAR to fulfil its international obligations under the Basel Convention and 
serves to ensure environmenta lly sound management of waste in the HKSAR.  
 
5.  The waste import permit system is a statutory requirement maintained under the Waste 
Disposal Ordinance, Cap. 354 of the Laws of Hong Kong.  The legislation does not leave 
designation of waste to be subjecte d to control to administrative  discretion.  Legislative approval is 
required should there be any change in  the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Permit applications should be lodged in advance of the importation.  The processing time 
for an application varies from case to case, depending primarily on the time taken by the 
competent authorities of the exporting economies concerned to provide feedback for the 
application, and on whether the application form is duly completed and lodged w ith all the 
required supporting documents.  To allow for sufficient time for the competent authorities 
to make responses, it is advisable for the applicants to lodge  their applications at least 
90 days before the commencement of the proposed shipment of wa ste. 
 
(b) A permit cannot be granted immediately.  Under the Basel Convention, consents from all 
export  and transit  economies concerned are required prior to any waste shipment.  We are 
unable to issue any permit without obtaining the views from the export  and transit  
economies concerned.  
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which permit application may 
be made.  
                                                
23 Samples of these forms can be viewed at:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version) . G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 25 - 
 
  (d) The Environmental Protection Department is the sole administrative organ responsible for 
the processing and approv al of waste import permit.  
 
8.  A waste import permit will normally be granted with or without conditions to the applicant if the 
ordinary criteria as stipulated in the Waste Disposal Ordinance are met (e.g. the proposed waste 
shipment is in line with the spirit and requirements of the Basel Convention).  In the event of 
refusal to issue a permit, the reasons will be given, and the applicant may appeal to the Appeal 
Board established under the Waste Disposal Ordinance.  In any case, it should be noted that to tie 
in with the latest requirements of the Basel Convention, import of hazardous waste from 
developed economies  including Liechtenstein and member states of the Organisation for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) int o the HKSAR has been 
banned since 28  December  1998.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All firms and institutions are eligible to apply for a waste import permit.  Nevertheless, the 
applicant should normally be the disposer or the importer of the waste.  There is no published list 
of authorized importers.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The required information is outlined in the sample permit application at Annex  XXVII24. 
 
11.  On actual importation, the waste should be accompanied by the permit, a waste movement 
document recording the details of the waste shipment, and a liability insurance covering any 
claims arising out of damage to human health, property and the environment which may result 
from th e waste import operation.  
 
12.  An application fee of HK$11,595 or HK$18,430 will be charged for the application of a single 
shipment or a multiple -shipment permit respectively.  A multiple -shipment permit can have a 
validity period of up to 1 year for repeated shipments of the same type of waste from the same 
source and to the same disposer or recycler.  
 
13.  The applicant is required to deposit a bond or financial guarantee payable to the Government 
of the HKSAR.  The amount of the bond or financial gu arantee required will be determined on a 
case-by-case basis.  It enables the waste disposal authority to recover cost of any seizure or 
disposal or alternative environmentally sound management of waste in case the intended waste 
shipment could not be compl eted as originally intended.  The bond or guarantee will be returned to 
the applicant upon fulfilment and completion of all conditions of the shipment, including the final 
disposal/recycling of the waste.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  There are two types o f permit, namely single -shipment permit and multiple -shipment permit.  
The former type is valid for one shipment only, and whereas the latter type can have a validity 
period of up to 1 year for repeated shipments of the same type of waste from the same sou rce and 
to the same disposer or recycler.  The validity of a permit cannot be extended.  A new application 
has to be lodged if the importing activity is to be continued after the validity period of the permit.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  No t transferable.  
 
17.  The  conditions are varied according to the type of wastes and country of origin.  One essential 
condition is the taking back of the imported wastes if the wastes were found other than the 
permitted  ones (i.e. specified in the permit) or if the wastes cannot be treated/recycled as 
intended and stranded in Hong Kong for whatever reasons, the wastes shall be returned to the 
place of origin . 
                                                
24 The application  form can be downloaded from:   
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste /guide_ref/files/import_app
n_form.pdf  (English  and Chinese  version s). G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importa tion. 
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 
6.2  Import control on non -pesticide hazardous chemicals  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Both an  import permit and a licence are required for the import of non -pesticide hazardous  
chemicals that have potentially harmful or adve rse effects on human health or the environment, 
including such chemicals  that are subject to regulation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent 
Organic Pollutants, or the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for 
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  The import permit ting and import licensing requirements are  stipulated  in the Hazardous 
Chemicals Control Ordinance (HCCO) , Cap. 595,  and the Import and Export Ordinan ce (IEO) , 
Cap. 60, of the Laws of Hong Kong  respectively .  Under the HCCO, anyone wishing to import any 
hazardous chemicals  subject to control (scheduled chemicals) needs to apply for an import permit , 
which is normally valid for 1 year .  In addition, for every shipment of scheduled chemicals entering 
Hong Kong, an import licence is also required under the IEO.  Both permits and licences are issued 
by the Environ mental Protection Department . 
 
The permitting/ licensing system , which forms par t of the overall control of non -pesticide hazardous 
chemicals in Hong Kong, covers two types  of scheduled chemicals, as follows:  
 
Type 1 Chemical s  
 
1. Hexabromobiphenyl  
2. Hexabromodiphenyl ether (hexaBDE) and heptabromodiphenyl ether (heptaBDE) : 
(a) 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’ - hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE -153) 
(b) 2,2’,4,4’,5,6’ - hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE -154) 
(c) 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’,6 - heptabromodiphenyl ether (BDE -175) 
(d) 2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6 -heptabromodiphenyl ether (BDE -183) 
(e) Other hexa - and heptabromodiphenyl e thers present in commercial 
octabromodiphenyl ether  
3. Hexachlorobenzene  
4. Pentachlorobenzene  
5. Polychlorinated biphenyls  
6. Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether  
(a) 2,2’,4,4’ - tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE -47) 
(b) 2,2’,4,4’,5 - pentabro modiphenyl ether (BDE -99) 
(c) Other tetra - and pentabromodiphenyl ether present in commercial 
pentabromodiphenyl ether  
7. Hexabromocyclododecane  
(a) hexabromocyclododecane  
(b) 1,2,5,6,9,10 -hexabromocyclododecane and its main diastereoisomers  
 
Type 2 Chemi cals 
 
1. Asbestos:  
(a) Actinolite  
(b) Anthophyllite  
(c) Amosite  
(d) Crocidolite  
(e) Tremodlite  
2. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF)  
(a) Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)  
(b) Salts of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 27 - 
 
  (c) Perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF)  
3. Polybrominated biphenyls  
(a) Octabromobiphenyls  
(b) Decabromobiphenyls  
4. Polychlorinated terphenyls  
5. Tetraethyl Lead  
6. Tetramethyl Lead  
7. Tris(2,3 -dibromopropyl) phosphat e 
 
The permitting/ licensing system does not apply to a scheduled chemical if the chemical is a 
constituent element of a manufactured product, except when the chemical is PCB and when its 
concentration as a constituent element of a manufactured product exce eds 0.005 per cent (or 
50 ppm) and its volume exceeds 0.05 litre.  The permitting/ licensing requirement  also does not 
apply to a Type  2 chemical if the chemical is, or is a part of, an article in transit.  
 
3.  The system applies to the scheduled chemicals coming from any  places.   Transshipment and 
transit of the scheduled chemicals, except for transit of Type 2 chemicals, through Hong Kong are 
also subject to control.  Exemptions of import licensing under certain conditions are available for 
air transshipment cargoes and transit of Type 1 chemicals.  
 
4.  The system is intended to implement effective control on non -pesticide hazardous chemicals to 
protect human health and the environment in accordance with, inter alia, the principles of the 
Stockho lm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention.  There is no restriction on the value of the 
imported chemicals but the import quantities are subject to scrutiny to avoid improper use/release 
of the hazardous chemicals.  
 
5.  The system is stipulated in the HC CO and the IEO, both of which do not provide for 
administrative discretion to designate particular type of chemicals  to be subject to 
permitting/licensing requirement .  Any alteration to  the import permitting/licensing system 
requires legislative approval.  
 
Procedures   
6.  There is no quota restriction for i mport ing the scheduled chemicals  and any importer can apply 
for an import permit/licence.  There is also no restriction on the source of the scheduled chemicals .  
These scheduled chemicals are being phased out or whose use is severely restricted internationally, 
as required under  the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention.  The HCCO import 
permit application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and a permit will be granted only if 
there  is justification for the need to import the proposed quantity of a scheduled chemical, and the 
importer can demonstrate that the import activities can comply with other local legislation.  The 
quantities allowed for each IEO licence  are limited by the ann ual import quantity permitted in the 
HCCO import permits.  Guidelines and application forms are available on the website of the 
Environmental Protection Department.  
 
7.(a) Processing time for permit/licence applications varies from case to case, depending on the 
complexity of the application, the response time of overseas government agencies and the 
availability of supporting information from the importers.   The target processing time of a 
permit application is within 15 working days  upon receipt of  all nec essary  information, 
payment of application fee, and completion of  site visit , if required, to verify the 
information provided by the applicant.   For an IEO import licence application, the target 
processing time is within 2 clear working days  upon receipt o f all relevant information .  In 
line with the prior informed consent procedure of the Rotterdam Convention, an IEO 
licence application will only be considered if the applicant can produce evidence of explicit 
consent of the exporting and importing countries agreeing to the export and import, unless 
otherwise exempted by the Environmental Protection Department .  A HCCO import permit 
and an IEO import licence  must be obtained prior to the arrival of the shipment.   
 
(b) Since detailed assessment is req uired for processing the HCCO permit or IEO licence 
applications, these permits/licences cannot be granted immediately upon request.  
 
(c) The HCCO import permits and the IEO import licences  can be applied for at any time 
during the year.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 28 - 
 
  (d) The Environmen tal Protection Department is the sole administrative organ to issue the 
HCCO permit and IEO licence applications.  
 
8.  Under normal circumstances, application for a HCCO import permit  or an IEO import licence is 
granted if the application meets the legal r equirements stipulated in the laws as well as the 
requirements of the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention.  In the event of refusal 
to issue a  HCCO  import permit, the reasons will be given .  The applicant may appeal to the 
Administrative Appeals Board  against the refusal.  In case of an IEO import licence application , the 
applicant has a right to  appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to ap ply for the HCCO i mport permits.  All HCCO 
import permit holders  are eligible to apply  for the IEO import licence s.  There is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  The information required for a HCCO import permit and an IEO Import Licence Form 3 
application is outlined in the  sample application forms at Annex  XXVIII25 and Annex  X26 
respectively.  
 
11.  A HCCO import permit and an IEO import licence are  required at the  time of actual 
importation.  
 
12.  A non -refundable application fee of HK$1 ,280 or HK$1 ,710 is required at the time of 
submission of an application for a HCCO import permit for local use or for transshipment/transit 
respectively.   Renewal application fee is HK$710 for local use and HK$920 for 
transshipment/transit .  No application/licensing fee is required for an IEO Import Licence Form 3 
application.  But import licence application forms  (Form No.: TRA187)  have to be purchased at 
HK$21 per pad (containing 20 sets).    
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  A HCCO import permit is valid for not more than 12 months .  The validity of a permit cannot 
be extended but the permit can be renewed on yearly basis.  An IEO import  licence is valid for 
6 months from the date of issue.  Extension of validity may be granted on application.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  Standard conditions, covering environmental requirements, safety, packaging, labelling, 
storage, transportation, disposal, emergency arrangements, return shipments and reporting, are 
included in the HCCO import permits.  No other conditions are attached to  the issue of the IEO 
licence s. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  Requirements under the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention need to be 
observed.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
                                                
25 The application form s for HCCO import permit s can be downloaded from :  
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/application_for_licences/applic_froms/files/hcc1.pdf
(English  and Chinese  version s) and 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/application_for_licences/applic_froms/files/hcc3.pdf
(English  and Chinese  version s). 
26 Sample of IEO Import Licence Form 3 can be viewed at:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/files/tra187.pdf  (English  and Chinese  version s). G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 29 - 
 
  7  FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT AL HYGIENE DEPARTMEN T 
7.1  Import control on  frozen or chilled meat and poultry  
Outline of Systems  
1.  Licences are required for import of frozen or chilled meat and poultry.  Import licences are 
issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department under delegation from the Trade and 
Industry De partment.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  The licensing system covers the importation of frozen  or chilled meat  and poultry.  The meat 
includes beef, mutton, pork, veal or lamb, and the offal of any animal from which such meat is 
derived.  The pou ltry includes the carcass of a domestic fowl, duck, goose or turkey or any part of 
such a carcass, and any part of a bird mentioned above which is edible or used in the preparation 
of food.  
 
3.  The system applies to products coming from a ny places . 
 
4.  The principal objective of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports, but for public health and food safety.  
 
5.  The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under the Import and 
Export (General) Regulations, Cap. 60A and Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  The 
legislation does not leave designation of product to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Any changes such as subjecting a new product to import licensing or removal o f an 
existing product therefrom require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for import licences should be lodged in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  The issue of an import licence under normal circumstances 
requires 1 working day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, dates of 
submission and issuing).  
 
(b) There are no limi tations as to the period of the year during which licence applications may 
be made.  
 
(c) The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is the sole administrative organ 
responsible for the processing and approval of meat and poultry import licences.  
 
8.  Application for a licence will be approved provided the ordinary criteria are met.  In case an 
application is refused, the reason for the refusal will be given to the applicant.  Applicants may 
appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR against a decision of  refusal for issuing  a licence.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.  A company is required to be registered with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department 
under the Registration Scheme for Food Importers and Food Distributors before it ca n apply for an 
import licence.  Registration is open to all business enterprises.  The registration fee is  HK$195 for 
3 years .   There is a published list of registered importers.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.  Information to be supplied includes particulars of the importer, of the importation and of the 
products to be imported.  Health certificate issued by the recognized issuing entity  of the exporting G/LIC/N/3/HKG/21  
 
- 30 - 
 
  economy  concerned or specific approval from the Director of Fo od and Environmental Hygiene is 
required to support licence applications.  Sample of Import Licence Form 3 is at Annex X27. 
 
11.  The import licence is the only document required on actual importation.  
 
12.  No licensing fee is required for import licence a pplications.  The price of non -textiles import 
licence forms is HK$ 21 per pad (containing 20 sets).  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  An import licence is valid for 6 weeks.  The period of validity cannot be ext ended.  The licence 
applicant should request cancellation of the expired licence and may apply for a new licence.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization .  Importers should however cancel the licences.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  A part from the licensing conditions printed on the import licence at Annex X, the conditions 
set out at Annex XXIX are applicable to frozen or chilled meat and poultry which are not subject to 
quantitative  restriction.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation . 
 
19.  No foreign exchange  control.  
 
__________  
 
                                                
27 Sample of Import Licence Form 3 can be viewed at:   
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/files/tra187.pdf  (English  and Chinese  version s).