WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
3 October 2012 
 (12-5351) 
Committee on Market Access Original:  English 
 
 
NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE DECISION ON NOTIFICATION 
PROCEDURESFOR QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS (G/L/59/Rev.1) 
 
HONG KONG, CHINA 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 28 September 2 012, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Hong Kong, China.  
A. Notifying Member:  Hong Kong, China 
B. Date of notification:  28 September 2012 
C. First time notification: 
 Yes 
  No, last notification was made in (doc. symbol):  February 2010  
D. Type of notification: 
  1. Complete (i.e. notification of a ll quantitative restrictions in force) 
 2. Changes to a notification previously made in (doc. symbol)        
 which are of the following nature: 
 2.1 Introduction of new restrictions, as listed in Section 1. 
 2.2 Elimination of restrictions, as described in G below. 
 2.3 Modification of a previously notified restriction, as described in Section 1. 
 3. Reverse notification of restrictions maintained by (Member):        
E. The notification provides information for the following biennial period (e.g. 
2012-2014): 2012-2014  and relates to restrictions in force as of (date) 
28 September 2012  
F. This notification contains information relating to: 
  Section 1:   List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force.1 
  Section 2:   Cross-reference to other WTO notifi cations with information on quantitative 
restrictions that are currently in force and additional information.1 
 
                                                      
1 In English only. G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 2 
 
 
  G. Comments of a general nature, includi ng a description of the elimination of 
restrictions notified under D.2.2 and th e date they ceased to be in force. 
 Nil   
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 3Section 1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
1. Health certificate for 
the export of animals Health 
certificate HS Ch. 1 Animals  Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 - The issuance of health 
certificate is to assist 
local exporters in 
meeting veterinary health requirements of 
the destination places.  
Import permit procedures 
for live animals and birds 
can be found in 
Section 2.4. 
2. Permit for the import of 
animal carcasses and 
animal products Permit ex HS Ch. 5 Animal carcasses 
and animal 
products Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Rabies Ordinance, 
Cap. 421 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import permit system and 
on an MFN basis to protect public health.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 4 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
3. Health certificate for 
the export of foods of 
animal origin Health 
certificate HS Ch. 2 
ex HS Ch. 3 
HS Ch. 4 Foods of animal 
origin Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 - The issuance of health 
certificate is to assist 
local food companies in 
meeting the veterinary health requirements of 
the importing 
authorities. 
4. Sanitary certificate for 
the export of products of animal origin Sanitary 
certificate ex HS Ch. 5 Products of 
animal origin  Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 - The issuance of sanitary 
certificate for the export of products of animal 
origin is to assist local 
exporters in meeting 
veterinary health 
requirements of the importing authorities.  
Import permit procedures 
for live animals and birds can be found in 
Section 2.4.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 5QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
5. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
endangered species of 
animals and plants listed in the Convention 
on International Trade 
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES) Appendix I, 
live endangered species of wild origin in CITES 
Appendix II and species 
in CITES Appendix III NAL ex HS Ch. 1 
ex HS Ch. 3 
ex HS Ch. 6 Endangered 
species of animals 
and plants listed in 
CITES Appendix I, live 
endangered 
species of wild origin in CITES 
Appendix II and 
species in CITES Appendix III Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
CITES Protection of 
Endangered Species 
of Animals and 
Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
endangered species and 
to prevent them from over-exploitation in 
accordance with CITES. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4. 
6. Production of valid 
CITES export permit or 
certificate of origin and 
inspection for the import of CITES Appendix II 
species other than live 
specimens of wild origin and species in CITES 
Appendix III CITES 
Export 
Permit 
(or 
Certificate of 
Origin) ex HS Ch. 1 
ex HS Ch. 3 
ex HS Ch. 6 CITES 
Appendix II 
species other than 
live specimens of wild origin and 
species in CITES 
Appendix III Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
CITES Protection of 
Endangered Species 
of Animals and 
Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586 The import requirement 
is subject to the 
production of valid 
CITES export permit or certificate of origin and 
inspection on an MFN 
basis to protect endangered species and 
to prevent them from 
over-exploitation in accordance with CITES.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 6 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
7. Prior approval for the 
import of game or 
prohibited meat Prior 
approval in 
writing ex HS Ch. 2 Game or 
prohibited meat Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Imported Game, 
Meat and Poultry 
Regulations, 
Cap. 132 The restriction is 
administered through 
prior approval in writing 
and on an MFN basis to protect public health. 
8. Permit for the export of 
protected wild animals, 
parts of a protected wild 
animal, or the nests or eggs of a protected wild 
animal Special 
Permit ex HS Ch. 1-5 Protected wild 
animals, parts of 
a protected wild 
animal killed or taken in Hong 
Kong, or the 
nests or eggs of a 
protected wild 
animal taken in Hong Kong Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Wild Animals 
Protection 
Ordinance, Cap. 170 The restriction is 
administered through a 
special permit system and 
on an MFN basis to conserve protected wild 
animals in Hong Kong.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 7QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
9. Licensing of exporters, 
and non-automatic 
authorization for the 
export of controlled chemicals NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 26 controlled 
chemicals which 
can be used for 
the manufacture of dangerous 
drugs or 
psychotropic substances Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
United Nations 
Convention Against 
Illicit Traffic in 
Narcotic Drugs And 
Psychotropic 
Substances, 1988 Control of 
Chemicals 
Ordinance, Cap. 145 The restriction is 
administered through 
(i) licensing of exporters 
and (ii) authorization to export controlled 
chemicals on an MFN 
basis to prevent diversion of controlled 
chemicals into illicit 
manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4. 
10. Non-automatic import 
certificate, import and export licence for the 
import and export of 
dangerous drugs 
Import quota for certain 
dangerous drugs GQ 
NAL HS Ch. 30 Dangerous drugs Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Dangerous Drugs 
Ordinance, Cap. 134 The restriction is 
administered through an import certificate, import 
and export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 8 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
11. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
dutiable commodities NAL ex HS Ch. 22 
ex HS Ch. 24 
ex HS Ch. 27 
ex HS Ch. 28-38 Dutiable 
commodities 
(tobacco, liquors, 
methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon 
oil) Article III of the 
GATT 1994 Dutiable 
Commodities 
Ordinance, Cap. 109 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to control the 
movement of dutiable 
commodities, as well as to protect and collect the 
excise duty imposed on 
the dutiable commodities. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 9QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
12. Permit for the export of 
hazardous chemicals Permit ex HS 2524 
ex HS 2903 
ex HS 2919 
ex HS 2931 ex HS 3824 Non-pesticide 
hazardous 
chemicals Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent Organic 
Pollutants 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on the 
Prior Informed 
Consent Procedure for 
Certain Hazardous 
Chemicals and 
Pesticides in 
International Trade Hazardous Chemicals 
Control Ordinance, 
Cap. 595 
Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export permit system and 
on an MFN basis to protect human health and 
the environment, 
including chemicals regulated by the 
Stockholm Convention 
and the Rotterdam Convention. 
Import permit system 
can be found in 
Section 2.4. 
13. Permit for the import of 
human corpse, infectious agents, biological materials containing/suspected to be containing infectious agents Permit ex HS 3002 Human corpse, 
infectious agents, 
biological materials 
containing/
suspected to be containing 
infectious agents Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Prevention and 
Control of Disease 
Regulation, Cap. 599A The restriction is 
administered through an 
import permit procedure and on an MFN basis to 
prevent infectious 
diseases from being introduced into the 
territory.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 10 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
14. Prior approval for the 
import of milk, milk 
beverages and frozen 
confections Prior 
approval of 
source of 
manufacture ex HS Ch. 4 
ex HS Ch. 21 Milk, milk 
beverages and 
frozen 
confections Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Milk Regulation, 
Cap. 132 
Frozen Confections 
Regulation, Cap. 132 The restriction is 
administered through 
prior approval of source 
of manufacture and on an MFN basis to ensure 
food safety. 
15. Declaration, first 
registration and import return for the import of motor vehicles for sale or for use in Hong Kong Declaration 
First 
registration 
Import return ex HS Ch. 87 Motor vehicles Article III of the 
GATT 1994 Motor Vehicles (First 
Registration Tax) Ordinance, Cap. 330 The restriction is 
administered through a first registration, import declaration and import returns procedure on an MFN basis to collect taxes on such vehicles.  
16. Carriage licence for 
carrying outboard engines exceeding 111.9 kilowatts (150 horsepower), vehicles and vehicle parts by a vessel under 250 gross tons within the waters of Hong Kong NAL ex HS Ch. 84 
ex HS Ch. 87 Outboard engines 
exceeding 111.9 kilowatts 
(150 horsepower) , 
vehicles and vehicle parts Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(Carriage of Articles) Regulations, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through a carriage licensing procedure and on an MFN basis to tackle smuggling of these products.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 11QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
17. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of optical 
disc mastering and 
replication equipment NAL ex HS Ch. 85 Optical disc 
mastering and 
replication 
equipment Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to enforce a 
robust intellectual 
property rights regime in Hong Kong and to 
prevent the use of optical 
disc mastering and replication equipment for 
copyright infringing 
activities. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 12 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
18. Registration and 
non-automatic licence for the export of scheduled ozone depleting substances NAL 
Registration ex HS 2903 
ex HS 8424 
HS 9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting 
substances 
(please refer to http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_licences/guidance/w
n6_licen.html  or 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_lic
ences/guidance/w
n6_licen1_1.html) Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
1985 Vienna 
Convention for the 
Protection of the 
Ozone Layer 
1987 Montreal 
Protocol on 
Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone 
Layer (Montreal 
Protocol) Ozone Layer 
Protection 
Ordinance, Cap. 403 
and its subsidiary regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system and 
an export licensing procedure on an MFN 
basis to give effect to 
Hong Kong’s international obligations, 
to control the 
exportation of, and to conserve the resources 
of, substances that 
deplete the ozone layer. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 13QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
19. Prohibition of import of 
controlled products containing ozone depleting substances P ex HS 2903 
ex HS 8424 
HS 9019 2000 Controlled 
products 
containing ozone 
depleting substances are 
banned for import 
in phases.  Details of the 
phasing out 
schedule can be found at 
http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/e
nvironmentinhk/ai
r/ozone_layer_protection/wn6_info_
phaseout_schedule
.html Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
Montreal Protocol Ozone Layer 
Protection 
Ordinance, Cap. 403 
and its subsidiary regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
global ban of imports on 
an MFN basis to give effect to Hong Kong’s 
international obligations, 
to control the importation of, and to 
conserve the resources 
of, substances that deplete the ozone layer.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 14 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
20. Prohibition of import 
and export of scheduled 
ozone depleting 
substances from/to non-parties to the 
Montreal Protocol CP ex HS 2903 
ex HS 8424 
HS 9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting 
substances 
(please refer to http://www.epd.g
ov.hk/epd/english
/application_for_licences/guidance/
wn6_licen1_1.ht
ml) Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
Montreal Protocol Ozone Layer 
Protection 
Ordinance, Cap. 403 
and its subsidiary regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
global ban of imports 
and exports of scheduled substances from/to 
non-parties to the 
Montreal Protocol on an MFN basis to give effect 
to Hong Kong’s 
international obligations, to control the 
importation and 
exportation of, and to 
conserve the resources 
of, substances that deplete the ozone layer. 
21. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
pesticides NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 Pesticides Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, 
Cap. 60 
Pesticides 
Ordinance, Cap. 133 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 15QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
22. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
pharmaceutical products 
and medicines NAL HS Ch. 30 
ex HS Ch. 12 Pharmaceutical 
products and 
medicines Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, 
Cap. 60 
Pharmacy and 
Poisons Ordinance, 
Cap. 138 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4. 
23. Phytosanitary 
certificate for export or 
re-export of plants or 
planting materials Phytosanitary 
certificate HS Ch. 6 Plants or planting 
materials Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 - The issuance of 
phytosanitary certificate 
for the export or 
re-export of plants or 
planting materials so as to fulfil international 
requirement and the 
phytosanitary regulations of the 
importing places.  
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 16 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
24. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
proprietary Chinese 
medicines and 36 Chinese herbal 
medicines NAL ex HS 3003 
ex HS 3004 
ex HS 1211 Proprietary 
Chinese 
medicines and 
36 Chinese herbal medicines Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance, Cap. 549 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4. 
25. Permit for the import 
and export of radio 
transmitting apparatus Permit ex HS 85 Radio 
transmitting 
apparatus Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Telecommunications 
Ordinance, Cap. 106 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import and export permit 
system and on an MFN 
basis to better control telecommunications 
apparatus and equipment.   
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 17QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
26. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of rice by 
registered stockholders NAL HS 1006 Rice, with or 
without husk, 
and milled or 
unmilled Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Reserved 
Commodities 
Ordinance, Cap. 296 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure for registered stockholders and on an 
MFN basis to maintain a 
stable supply and a reserve stock for 
emergencies.  A 
minimum reserve stock (shared among all 
registered rice 
stockholders) is 
maintained to meet any 
contingencies. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 18 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
27. Prohibition of exports of 
rough diamonds to 
specified places 
Registration of traders 
and Kimberly Process 
Certificates for the 
export of rough diamonds Certificates 
CP 
Registration HS 7102 1000 
HS 7102 2100 
HS 7102 3100 Rough diamonds Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, 
Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system for 
rough diamond traders and an export certificate 
scheme system to fulfil 
the obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
Registered rough 
diamond traders can export rough diamonds 
to countries or places on 
the list of specified 
countries permitted by 
the Kimberly Process. 
Import certification 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4. 
28. Prohibition of import of 
smokeless tobacco products P ex HS Ch. 24 Smokeless 
tobacco products Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Smokeless Tobacco 
Products (Prohibition) Regulations, Cap. 132 The importation of 
smokeless tobacco products is prohibited on an MFN basis to protect public health.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 19QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
29. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of 
strategic commodities NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 
ex HS Ch. 84 
ex HS Ch. 85 ex HS Ch. 88 
ex HS Ch. 89 
HS Ch. 93 Strategic 
commodities 
(e.g. 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 communication 
systems, 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)
 Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(Strategic 
Commodities) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Firearms and 
Ammunition 
Ordinance, Cap. 238 
Dangerous Goods 
Ordinance, Cap. 295 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to prevent 
Hong Kong from being 
used as a conduit for proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction and 
to ensure Hong Kong’s continuous access to 
technology and high-tech 
products. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 2.4.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 20 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
30. Non-automatic licence 
for the export of textiles NAL HS Ch. 50-63 Textile products Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 
Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, 
Cap. 60 
Export (Certificates 
of Origin) 
Regulations, 
Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through an 
export licensing system 
for textile products to the Mainland of China 
or the US irrespective of 
the origin of the goods.  The restriction functions 
as a surveillance system 
to back up Hong Kong’s textiles export control 
system. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 21QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
31. Prohibition of import of 
Volatile Organic 
Compounds (VOC) 
containing products in excess of prescribed 
limits CP HS 3208 – 10 
HS 3215 
ex HS 3505 – 
06 ex HS 3305 
ex HS 3307 
ex HS 3403 ex HS 3404 
ex HS 3808 Volatile Organic 
Compounds 
(VOC) 
containing products 
(51 types of 
architectural paints/coatings, 
7 types of 
printing inks, 6 broad 
categories of 
consumer 
products, 
14 types of vehicle 
refinishing 
paints/coatings, 36 types of vessel 
and pleasure craft 
paints/coatings, and 47 types of 
adhesives and 
sealants) Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 Air Pollution 
Control (Volatile 
Organic 
Compounds) Regulation, 
Cap. 311 The restriction is 
administered through the 
prohibition of 
importation of regulated products containing 
VOC in excess of 
prescribed limits on an MFN basis to improve 
the air quality of Hong 
Kong.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 22 
QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
32. Permit for the export of 
waste Permit Non-hazardous 
recyclables 
(http://www.epd
.gov.hk/epd/english/environmen
tinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/6schedule.pdf) 
except for the 
purpose of reprocessing, 
recycling, 
recovery or 
reuse 
Hazardous 
wastes 
(http://www.epd
.gov.hk/epd/english/environmen
tinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/7schedule.pdf) Non-hazardous 
recyclables 
(http://www.epd.g
ov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/
waste/guide_ref/fil
es/6schedule.pdf) except for the 
purpose of 
reprocessing, recycling, recovery 
or reuse 
Hazardous wastes 
(http://www.epd.g
ov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/
waste/guide_ref/fil
es/7schedule.pdf) Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
Basel Convention on 
the Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and 
their Disposal Waste Disposal 
Ordinance, Cap. 354 
and its subsidiary 
regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
permit system for the 
export of waste and on an MFN basis in 
accordance with Hong 
Kong’s obligations under the Basel 
Convention on the 
Control of Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and 
their Disposal, and to 
ensure environmentally sound management of 
waste in Hong Kong. 
Import licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 2.4.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 23QR 
No. General description of 
the restriction Type of 
restriction 
(Symbol in 
Annex 2 of 
the Decision) Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO Justification 
(e.g. Article XX(g) of 
the GATT, etc.) and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other International 
Commitments (e.g. 
Montreal Protocol, 
CITES, etc) National legal basis 
and entry into force
(i.e. Law, regulation 
or administrative 
decision) Administration, 
modification of 
previously notified 
measures, and other 
comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
33. Import inspection of 
wood packaging 
material Import 
inspection ex HS Ch. 44 
ex HS Ch. 45 Wood packaging 
materials Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 
International Plant 
Protection Convention 
(IPPC) Plant (Importation 
and Pest Control) 
Ordinance, Cap. 207 The import of wood 
packaging material may 
be subject to inspection 
at points of entry so as to ensure they are free from 
plant pests and soil.  
The export of non-manufactured wood 
packaging materials has 
to comply with International Standards 
for Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM) 
No. 15, or requirements 
as specified by the importing authorities.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 24 
Section 2: Cross-reference to other WTO notifi cations with information on quantitative restrictions that are currently in force  
 This section shall be filled by Members in case a notification ma de pursuant to another notifica tion requirement (e.g. set in the Agreement on 
Agriculture, Agreement on Balance of Payments, Agreement on Safe guards, and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, etc.)  contains information 
on a quantitative restriction in force a nd which is not listed in Section 1. 
1. Agreement on Agriculture 
A. Was a notification made with info rmation on a quantitative restriction?   Yes  No    
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any informa tion element missing in the notification: 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
o n  H S (      )  Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/AG/N/         
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 252. Agreement on Balance of Payments 
A. Was a notification made with info rmation on a quantitative restriction?    Yes  No    
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any informa tion element missing in the notification: 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
o n  H S (      )  Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
WT/BOP/N/        
3. Agreement on Safeguards 
A. Was a notification made with info rmation on a quantitative restriction?    Yes  No    
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any informa tion element missing in the notification: 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
o n  H S (      )  Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/SG/N/         
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 26 
4. Agreement on Import Licensing Pr ocedures (non-automatic licences) 
A. Was a notification made with info rmation on a quantitative restriction?    Yes    No  
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any informa tion element missing in the notification: 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Permit for the import 
of live animals and birds Permit HS Ch. 1 Live animals and 
birds Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Public Health 
(Animals and Birds) Ordinance, Cap. 139 
Rabies Ordinance, 
Cap. 421 The restriction is 
administered through a special permit system 
for the import of live 
animals and birds to protect public and 
animal health, to 
provide for public safety and animal welfare, and 
to prevent cruelty to 
animals. 
Health certification for 
export of animals can be 
found in Section 1. 
Sanitary certification for 
export of products of 
animal origin can be found in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 27Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Licensing of 
importers; and 
non-automatic 
authorization for the import of controlled 
chemicals NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 26 controlled 
chemicals which 
can be used for 
the manufacture of dangerous 
drugs or 
psychotropic substances Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
United Nations 
Convention 
Against Illicit 
Traffic in 
Narcotic Drugs 
And 
Psychotropic 
Substances, 
1988 Control of Chemicals 
Ordinance, Cap. 145 The restriction is 
administered through (i) 
licensing of importers 
and (ii) authorization to import controlled 
chemicals on an MFN 
basis to prevent diversion of controlled 
chemicals into illicit 
manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 28 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of dutiable 
commodities NAL ex HS Ch. 22 
ex HS Ch. 24 
ex HS Ch. 27 
ex HS Ch. 28-38 Dutiable 
commodities 
(tobacco, liquors, 
methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon 
oil) Article III of 
the GATT 1994 Dutiable 
Commodities 
Ordinance, 
Cap. 109 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to control 
the import and 
movement of dutiable commodities, as well as 
to protect and collect 
the excise duty imposed on the dutiable 
commodities. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 29Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of endangered species 
of animals and plants listed in CITES 
Appendix I and live 
endangered species of wild origin in CITES 
Appendix II NAL ex HS Ch. 1 
ex HS Ch. 3 
ex HS Ch. 6 Endangered 
species of animals 
and plants listed in 
CITES Appendix I and live 
endangered 
species of wild origin in CITES 
Appendix II Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
CITES Protection of 
Endangered Species 
of Animals and 
Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
endangered species and 
to prevent them from over-exploitation in 
accordance with CITES. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of frozen or chilled meat and poultry  NAL ex HS Ch. 2 Frozen or chilled 
meat and poultry Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Imported Game, 
Meat and Poultry 
Regulations, Cap. 132 
Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, 
Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through 
prior approval in writing and on an MFN 
basis for public health 
and food safety.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 30 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Permit/licence for the 
import of hazardous chemicals Permit 
NAL ex HS 2524 
ex HS 2903 
ex HS 2919 
ex HS 2931 ex HS 3824 Non-pesticide 
hazardous 
chemicals Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
Stockholm 
Convention on 
Persistent 
Organic 
Pollutants 
The Rotterdam 
Convention on 
the Prior 
Informed 
Consent 
Procedure for 
Certain 
Hazardous 
Chemicals and 
Pesticides in 
International 
Trade Hazardous 
Chemicals Control 
Ordinance, Cap. 595 
Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import permit 
system and an import licensing system on an 
MFN basis to protect 
human health and the environment, including 
chemicals regulated by 
the Stockholm Convention and the 
Rotterdam Convention. 
Export permit system 
can be found in 
Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 31Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of optical disc 
mastering and replication equipment NAL ex HS Ch. 85 Optical disc 
mastering and 
replication 
equipment Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to enforce a 
robust intellectual 
property rights regime in Hong Kong and to 
prevent the use of 
optical disc mastering and replication 
equipment for copyright 
infringing activities. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 32 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Registration, 
non-automatic licence and quota for the import of scheduled ozone depleting substances NAL 
Registration 
GQ (for import 
of HCFCs only) ex HS 2903 
ex HS 8424 
HS 9019 2000 Scheduled ozone 
depleting 
substances 
(please refer to http://www.epd.go
v.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_licences/guidance/w
n6_licen.html  or 
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/a
pplication_for_lic
ences/guidance/wn6_licen1_1.html) 
Quota allocation 
system is applicable to the 
import of 
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) 
for local 
consumption Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
1985 Vienna 
Convention for 
the Protection 
of the Ozone 
Layer 
1987 Montreal 
Protocol on 
Substances that 
Deplete the 
Ozone Layer 
(Montreal 
Protocol) Ozone Layer 
Protection 
Ordinance, Cap. 403 
and its subsidiary regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system, an 
import licensing procedure and a quota 
allocation system on an 
MFN basis to give effect to Hong Kong’s 
international 
obligations, to control the importation of, and 
to conserve the 
resources of, substances that deplete 
the ozone layer. 
The maximum annual 
quota of HCFCs that 
can be imported into 
Hong Kong is set based on the reduction targets 
stipulated in the 
Montreal Protocol. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 33Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of pharmaceutical 
products and medicines NAL HS Ch. 30 
ex HS Ch. 12 Pharmaceutical 
products and 
medicines Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pharmacy and 
Poisons Ordinance, 
Cap. 138 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be 
found in Section 1. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of proprietary Chinese medicines 
and 36 Chinese 
herbal medicines NAL 
ex H S 3003 
ex HS 3004 
ex HS 1211 Proprietary 
Chinese 
medicines and 36 Chinese herbal 
medicines Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Chinese Medicine 
Ordinance, Cap. 549 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing procedure and on an 
MFN basis to protect 
public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 34 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of pesticides NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 Pesticides Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Pesticides 
Ordinance, Cap. 133 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public health. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 35Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of plants; 
authorization in writing for the import 
of plant pests or soil NAL 
Authorization ex HS Ch. 1 
ex HS Ch. 25 Plants (including 
timber, trees, 
shrubs, leaves, 
roots, flowers, fruits, tubers, 
bulbs, corms, 
stocks, cuttings, layers, slips, 
suckers, 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), plant pests and 
soil Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
Plant Protection 
Agreement for 
the Asia and 
Pacific Region 
IPPC Plant (Importation 
and Pest Control) 
Ordinance, 
Cap. 207 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure supported by 
phytosanitary 
certificates for the 
import of plants, and 
authorization in writing 
for the import of plant pests or soil.  Both 
procedures are 
administered on an 
MFN basis (except 
plants and soil 
imported from the 
Mainland of China) to 
prevent the spread of 
plant pests in 
compliance with the 
recommendations of 
the Plant Protection 
Agreement for the Asia 
and Pacific Region and 
the IPPC. 
The issuance of 
phytosanitary 
certificate for 
exports/re-exports can 
be found in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 36 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import 
of radioactive 
substances and irradiating apparatus NAL HS 2844 
ex HS 9022 Radioactive 
substances and 
irradiating 
apparatus Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Radiation 
Ordinance, Cap. 303 
Import (Radiation) 
(Prohibition) Regulations, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through 
an import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to protect 
public safety, security 
and health. 
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licence for the import of rice by registered 
stockholders NAL HS 1006 Rice, with or 
without husk, and milled or 
unmilled Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Reserved 
Commodities Ordinance, Cap. 296 The restriction is 
administered through an import licensing 
procedure for registered 
stockholders and on an MFN basis to maintain a 
stable supply and a 
reserve stock for emergencies.  A 
minimum reserve stock 
(shared among all registered rice 
stockholders) is 
maintained to meet any 
contingencies. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 37Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Prohibition of imports 
of rough diamonds 
from non-participants 
of the Kimberley Process 
Registration of 
traders and Kimberly Process Certificates 
for the import of 
rough diamonds CP 
Certificates 
Registration HS 7102 1000 
HS 7102 2100 
HS 7102 3100 Rough diamonds Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
Kimberley 
Process 
Certification 
Scheme Import and Export 
(General) 
Regulations, 
Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through a 
registration system for 
rough diamond traders and an import 
certificate scheme 
system to fulfil the obligations under the 
Kimberley Process. 
Registered rough 
diamond traders can 
import rough diamonds 
from countries or places on the list of 
specified countries 
permitted by the Kimberly Process. 
Export certification 
procedures can be found in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 38 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Permit for the import 
of sand Permit HS 2505 Natural sand in 
excess of 100 kg Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Sand Ordinance, 
Cap. 147 The restriction is 
administered through a 
permit system for the 
import of any natural sand in excess of 100 
kg and on an MFN 
basis to protect beaches and seabed in Hong 
Kong.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 39Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licensing for the 
import of strategic 
commodities NAL ex HS Ch. 
28-38 
ex HS Ch. 84 
ex HS Ch. 85 ex HS Ch. 88 
ex HS Ch. 89 
HS Ch. 93 Strategic 
commodities 
(e.g. 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 
communication 
systems, 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)
 Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
(Strategic 
Commodities) 
Regulations, Cap. 60 
Firearms and 
Ammunition 
Ordinance, Cap. 238 
Dangerous Goods 
Ordinance, Cap. 295 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing 
procedure and on an MFN basis to prevent 
Hong Kong from being 
used as a conduit for proliferation of weapons 
of mass destruction and 
to ensure Hong Kong’s continuous access to 
technology and 
high-tech products. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in item Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 40 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Non-automatic 
licensing for the 
import of textiles NAL HS Ch. 50-63 Textiles Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 Import and Export 
Ordinance, Cap. 60 
Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Cap. 60 
Export (Certificates 
of Origin) Regulations, Cap. 60 The restriction is 
administered through an 
import licensing system 
for textiles from the Mainland of China 
irrespective of the origin 
of the goods.  The restriction functions as a 
surveillance system to 
back up Hong Kong’s textiles export control 
system. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found 
in Section 1.  
   G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1
 Page 41Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS2012 Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/3/
HKG/16 Permit for the import 
of waste Permit Non-hazardous 
recyclables 
(http://www.epd
.gov.hk/epd/english/environmen
tinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/6schedule.pdf) 
except for the 
purpose of reprocessing, 
recycling, 
recovery or reuse 
Hazardous 
wastes (http://www.epd
.gov.hk/epd/eng
lish/environmentinhk/waste/gui
de_ref/files/7sch
edule.pdf) Non-hazardous 
recyclables 
(http://www.epd.g
ov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/
waste/guide_ref/fil
es/6schedule.pdf) except for the 
purpose of 
reprocessing, recycling, recovery 
or reuse 
Hazardous wastes 
(http://www.epd.g
ov.hk/epd/english/
environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/fil
es/7schedule.pdf) Article XX of 
the GATT 1994 
Basel 
Convention on 
the Control of 
Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous 
Wastes and 
their Disposal Waste Disposal 
Ordinance, 
Cap. 354 and its 
subsidiary regulations The restriction is 
administered through a 
permit system for the 
import of waste and on an MFN basis in 
accordance with Hong 
Kong’s obligations under the Basel 
Convention on the 
Control of Transboundary 
Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and to 
ensure environmentally 
sound management of waste in Hong Kong. 
Export licensing 
procedures can be found in Section 1.  
  G/MA/QR/N/HKG/1 
Page 42 
5. Other notifications 
 
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction in other notifications?   Yes     N o     
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any informa tion element missing in the notification: 
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification General description Type of restr. Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(     ) Detailed Product 
Description WTO 
Justification 
and Grounds 
for Restriction, 
e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments National legal basis 
and entry into force Administration; 
modification of prev. 
notified measures; and 
other comments 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
             
 
 
__________