APPENDIX TABLES Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 109 
 
 
Table AI.1 
Foreign direct investment inflows/outflows by economic activity, 2000-04 
(HK$ billion and per cent)  
Activity 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
Total inflows (HK$ billi on) 482.6 185.4 75.5 106.3 265.1 
 (Per cent of total) 
Investment holding, real estate and vari ous business services 67.7 32.6 110.3 39.1 39.6 
Wholesale, retail and import/export trade 13.0 18.1 38.9 42.5 18.7 
Financial institutions other th an banks and deposit-taking 
companies 4.2 3.1 -19.9 3.0 14.6 
Banks and deposit-taking companies 7.2 23.1 -43.8 16.6 13.1 
Manufacturing 1.0 1.1 13.2 5.1 5.1 
Transport and related services 2.5 1.4 3.2 -7.4 4.0 
Insurance 0.8 2.2 18.8 7.4 2.5 
Communications -0.2 20.0 -27.4 -5.9 1.0 
Restaurants and hotels 0.8 -1.8 1.3 -4.1 0.5 
Construction 1.0 2.7 -1.3 1.5 -0.2 
Other 2.0 -2.5 6.8 2.3 1.2 
Total outflows (HK$ billi on) 462.6 88.5 136.2 42.9 356.1 
 (Per cent of total) 
Investment holding, real estate and vari ous business services 71.2 116.7 42.8 95.1 27.0 
Communications 3.9 -42.1 1.8 -43.8 19.1 
Wholesale, retail and import/export trade 8.1 20.9 15.4 28.9 11.1 
Financial institutions other th an banks and deposit-taking 
companies 2.5 2.4 -6.1 -28.9 8.6 
Banks and deposit-taking companies 2.3 3.4 1.0 5.1 6.0 
Manufacturing 3.5 2.1 7.6 22.1 4.4 
Restaurants and hotels -1.7 -3.6 1.5 0.9 1.5 
Transport and related services 1.9 9.2 9.5 -27.3 1.4 
Insurance 0.6 3.2 -0.2 14.9 0.9 
Construction 1.0 1.1 -1.7 0.5 0.2 
Other 6.5 -13.4 28.3 32.6 19.9 
Note: Figures may not add to the total due to rounding.  Negative inflow or outflow does not necessa rily relate to equity withd rawal;  it 
may be the result of repayment of  loans to non-resident affiliates or by non-resident affiliates. 
Source:  Government of the HKSAR, Census and Statistics Department .  Viewed at:  http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/ 
hong_kong_ statistics/statistical_tables (tab les 49 and 51) [4 July 2006]. 
 WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 110 
 
 
Table AI.2 
Foreign direct investment inflows/outflows by country, 2000-04 
(HK$ billion and per cent)  
Country 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
Total inflows (HK$ billi on) 482.6 185.4 75.5 106.3 265.1 
 (Per cent of total) 
British Virgin Islands 49.4 40.3 78. 7 18.6 23.7 
China 22.9 20.8 42.0 35.7 23.4 
United States 3.9 6.4 -14.6 20.7 18.3 
United Kingdom -8.6 3.9 11.4 4.2 6.9 
Japan 5.3 4.6 20.3 13.4 4.1 
Bermuda 7.6 5.3 2.8 -12.8 3.4 
Netherlands 1.5 -1.2 13.6 23.2 3.3 
Cayman Islands 2.3 5.9 -91.0 2.7 2.5 
Canada -0.3 -1.8 13.1 0.2 1.9 
Singapore 12.4 6.1 8.5 -9.3 1.2 
Other  3.3 9.9 15.2 3.4 11.4 
Total outflows (HK$ billi on) 462.6 88.5 136.2 42.9 356.1 
 (Per cent of total) 
China 78.1 74.9 91.3 139.6 40.7 
British Virgin Islands 15.2 28.7 7. 4 57.8 38.4 
Japan 0.7 -1.9 -12.6 2.3 8.0 
Bermuda 2.7 -21.7 -3.6 -6.5 7.5 
United Kingdom 1.0 1.0 2.6 10.7 1.4 
Singapore 0.8 4.7 3.2 4.9 1.3 
Thailand 0.2 2.5 1.9 -1.6 0.9 
United States 0.6 -2.3 5.3 -21.9 0.9 
Malaysia 0.6 7.1 3.7 -6.5 0.4 
Panama 0.5 10.7 1.6 -21.2 -0.8 
Other  -0.5 -3.7 -0.8 -57.6 1.4 
Note:  Figures may not add to the total due to rounding.  Negativ e inflow or outflow does not neces sarily relate to equity with drawal;  it 
may be the result of repayment of  loans to non-resident affiliate s or by non-resident affiliates.  
Source:  Government of the HKSAR, Census and Statistics Department .  Viewed at:  http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/ 
hong_kong_statistics/statis tical_tables (tables 49 and 51) [4 July 2006]. Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 111 
 
 
Table AI.3 
Stock of foreign direct investment by economic activity, 2000-05 
(HK$ billion and per cent)  
Activity 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
Inward stock (HK$ billion) 3,550.8  3, 269.7  2,622.3  2,960.4  3,521. 9  4,132.0  
 (Per cent of total) 
Investment holding, real estate and various  business services 60.4 55.2 52.1 55.6 56.4 .. 
Wholesale, retail and import/export trade 10.6 12.4 13.0 13.8 14.7 .. 
Banks and deposit-taking companies 9.2 11.2 12.4 14.0 13.7 .. 
Financial institutions other th an banks and deposit-taking 
companies 3.7 3.4 3.5 3.7 4.2 .. 
Insurance 1.7 2.1 3.3 2.4 2.3 .. 
Transport and related services 2.1 3.0 3.0 2.3 2.1 .. 
Manufacturing 2.1 2.2 2.8 2.2 2.0 .. 
Communications 1.7 2.5 2.6 1.5 1.1 .. 
Restaurants and hotels 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.0 1.0 .. 
Construction 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.0 0.7 .. 
Other 5.9 5.3 4.3 2.5 1.8 .. 
Outward stock (HK$ billion)  3,027.8   2,749.2   2,412.9   2,636.7   3,133.6   3,647.5  
 (Per cent of total) 
Investment holding, real estate and various  business services 64.5 62.5 58.9 61.6 61.5 .. 
Wholesale, retail and import/export trade 9.2 9.8 9.1 11.5 12.1 .. 
Manufacturing 6.1 5.3 5.6 5.2 5.1 .. 
Communications 1.7 3.5 3.0 1.1 4.6 .. 
Transport and related services 2.7 3.2 3.3 3.4 2.7 .. 
Financial institutions other th an banks and deposit-taking 
companies 3.0 2.3 2.5 1.6 2.3 .. 
Banks and deposit-taking companies 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.6 1.9 .. 
Restaurants and hotels 2.2 2.1 2.1 1.6 1.7 .. 
Insurance 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.1 0.9 .. 
Construction 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.7 .. 
Other 8.1 8.5 12.1 10.4 6.5 .. 
.. Not available. 
Source:  Government of the HKSAR, Census and Statistics Department .  Viewed at:  http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/ 
hong_kong_statistics/statis tical_tables (tables 49 and 51) [4 July 2006]. 
 WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 112 
 
 
Table AI.4 
Stock of foreign direct investment by country, 2000-05 
(HK$ billion and per cent)  
Country 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
Inward stock (HK$ billion) 3,550.5  3, 269.7  2,622.3  2,960.4  3,521. 9  4,132.0  
 (Per cent of total) 
British Virgin Islands 31.9 28.9 29.7 31.6 29.2 .. 
China 31.3 29.3 22.7 26.0 29.0 .. 
Netherlands 6.3 6.1 7.8 8.7 8.7 .. 
Bermuda 8.9 9.7 10.4 8.6 7.7 .. 
United States 4.5 5.9 7.1 6.3 6.9 .. 
Japan 3.2 3.6 5.4 4.8 4.2 .. 
Singapore 2.8 2.7 2.8 2.0 2.5 .. 
United Kingdom 1.6 1.4 2.1 1.6 2.0 .. 
Cayman Islands 2.5 3.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 .. 
Canada 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 .. 
Other  6.5 8.2 9.5 7.9 7.2 .. 
Outward stock (HK$ billion) 3,027.8  2, 749.2  2,412.9  2,636.7  3,133. 6  3,647.5  
 (Per cent of total) 
British Virgin Islands 51.8 52.3 47.6 48.2 44.7 .. 
China 33.4 30.7 34.9 35.3 38.7 .. 
Bermuda 2.9 3.3 3.2 3.4 4.1 .. 
United Kingdom 0.8 0.7 0.8 1.8 1.8 .. 
Japan 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.6 1.3 .. 
Singapore 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.1 .. 
Panama 0.8 1.2 1.6 0.9 0.9 .. 
Thailand 0.5 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.8 .. 
United States 0.8 0.9 1.3 0.8 0.7 .. 
Malaysia 0.7 1.0 1.2 0.9 0.7 .. 
Other  6.8 7.8 6.9 6.2 5.1 .. 
.. Not available. 
Source:  Government of the HKSAR, Census and Statistics Department .  Viewed at:  http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/ 
hong_kong_statistics/statis tical_tables (tables 48 and 50) [4 July 2006]. Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 113 
 
 
Table AIII.1 
Goods subject to import licensing, 2005  
Goods Purpose Responsible 
authority Processing time Fees Validity 
Textiles 
 Surveillance for the 
HKSAR's textiles 
export control system Trade and 
Industry 
Department Two working daysa   Application Fee for 
Import Licence 
(Textiles):  HK$40; fee for each paper 
textiles notification 
form/electronic textiles notification submission:  HK$0.5;  
no fee for 
Comprehensive Import Licence 28 days 
Textiles importers 
may apply for a Comprehensive 
Import Licence to 
cover multiple shipments from non-sensitive 
markets for one 
year Non-transferable 
Strategic 
commoditiesb To monitor the 
inflow of strategic 
commodities and ensure HKSAR's 
access to high 
technology products Trade and 
Industry 
Department Two and a half 
working days  No fee Six months 
Non–transferable 
Rice  To maintain a stable 
supply and manage 
a reserve stock for emergencies and short-term shortage Trade and 
Industry 
Department One clear working 
day  No fee; 
import licence forms:  
HK$26 per pad (containing 20 sets) Six weeks 
Non-transferable 
Pesticides 
(containing Methyl bromide)  Public health  Trade and 
Industry Department Two working days No fee; 
Import licence forms: HK$26 per pad 
(containing 20 sets)  60 days 
Non-transferable 
Pharmaceutical products and 
medicines  Public health Department of 
Health Two working days No fee Six  months 
Non-transferable 
Radioactive substances and 
irradiating 
apparatus  International 
obligation and 
public safety, 
security and health  Trade and 
Industry 
Department 
(Department of Health from 
10 July 2006) One working day No fee;  
Import licence forms: 
HK$26 per pad 
(containing 20 sets) Six months 
Non-transferable 
Ozone-depleting substances 
originating in 
contracting  parties to the Montreal 
Protocol 1987  Environmental 
protection Trade and 
Industry 
Department Two working days Fee:  HK$815 for 
import licence, 
HK$1,210 for import 
and export licence; Import licence forms:  
HK$28 per pad 
(containing 5 sets); Import and export 
licence forms:  HK$34 
per pad (containing 5 sets) 60 days 
Non-transferable 
Rough diamonds 
originating in the 
Kimberley Process negotiating forum International 
obligation Trade and 
Industry 
Department Instant Fee:  HK$160 for 
import certificate; 
Import certificate forms:  HK$21 per pad 
(containing 20 sets) 28 days 
Non-transferable 
Dutiable 
commoditiesc To collect the excise 
duties Customs and 
Excise 
Department Within 12 working 
days  Fee HK$950 One year 
Non-transferable 
Table AIII.1 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 114 
 
 
Goods Purpose Responsible 
authority Processing time Fees Validity 
Controlled 
chemicals (for 
substances listed in Schedules 1 and 2 
of the Control of 
Chemicals Ordinance, 
Chapter 145 only) To prevent diversion 
of controlled 
chemicals into illicit manufacturing of 
narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances Customs and 
Excise 
Department Within 14 days Fee HK$790 One year 
Non-transferable 
Optical disc mastering and 
replication equipment To enforce  
intellectual property 
rights Customs and 
Excise 
Department Within two working 
days No fee Six months 
Non-transferable 
Natural sand in 
excess of 100 kg To protect HKSAR's 
beaches and seabed Civil 
Engineering and Development  
Department Within two working 
days No fee Six months 
Permits issued for a particular 
vehicle or vessel 
which could be used by different 
importers 
Plants, plant pests, 
and soil To establish 
quarantine system to prevent the spread of 
plant pests Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation 
Department Two working days No fee Two months 
Non-transferable 
Endangered species of animals and 
plants To protect 
endangered species 
and prevent their 
over-exploitation Agriculture, 
Fisheries and 
Conservation 
Department Five working days in 
the case of live 
animals and two 
working days for all other cases For live animals: 
HK$420 (per species); 
for live plants or 
animal/plant parts:  HK$140  (per species) Six months 
Non-transferable 
Live animalsd To protect public 
and animal health, provide for public 
safety and animal 
welfare, and prevent cruelty to animals Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation 
Department At least five working 
days Fees:  HK$344 to 
HK$1,055 
 Six months;  
validity of import permits may be 
extended for a 
month at a fee of HK$140 
Pesticides Public health Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation 
Department One clear working 
day No fee;   
import licence forms:  HK$26 per pad 
(containing 20 sets) Six months  
Non-transferable 
Wastee 
 To ensure the 
legitimacy of waste 
trade and stop any 
illegal shipment Environmental 
Protection 
Department At least 90 days 
before shipment Single shipment:  
HK$11,595;  Multiple 
shipment:  HK$18,430; 
Deposit, bond or financial guarantee 
required, determined 
on a case-by-case basis One year (single 
or multiple 
shipment permit) 
Non-transferable 
Frozen or chilled 
meat and poultry Public health and 
food safety Food and 
Environmental 
Hygiene  Department One working day No fee; 
Licence forms:  
HK$26 per pad (containing 20 sets) Six weeks  
Non-transferable 
a The processing time applies to a consignment-specific import licence.  Textile traders regist ered under the Textiles Trader 
Registration Scheme have the optio n to lodge an import/transhipment  notification,  completed by themselves, in lieu of an impor t 
licence, before importation. 
b Strategic commodities are listed in the Schedules to the Import and Export (Strateg ic Commodities) Regulations.  They include  items 
such as munitions, chemical and biological  weapons and their precursors, nuclear mate rials and equipment, and industrial dual-u se 
goods. 
c Dutiable commodities are tobacco, liquors, methyl alcohol, and hydrocarbon oil. d The fee schedule can be viewed at:  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantin e/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/files/spfee.pdf. 
e A permit (from EPD) is required for import of any waste, unle ss the waste is specified in Sc hedule 6 of the Waste Disposal 
Ordinance, it is uncontaminated, and is intended for recycling or reuse. 
Source:  WTO document G/LIC/N/3/ HKG/9, 4 October 2005. 
 
 Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 115 
 
 
Table AIII.2 
Standards and/or technica l regulations, July 2006  
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
Environment protection   
Air Pollution Control Ordinance 
(Chapter 311) To provide for the control of air pollution 
from stationary sources and motor vehicles. Nil 
 Import into Hong Kong, China of any 
quantity of asbestos known as amosite or 
crocidolite or any substance or item made with or containing amosite or crocidolite is 
prohibited, except if the substances form an 
integral part of the st ructure of fittings of a 
ship brought into Hong Kong, China for 
repair or breaking up.  
Air Pollution Control (Fuel Restriction) 
Regulations (Chapter 311I) To prohibit the use of high sulphur content 
solid and liquid fuel (sulphur content shall 
not exceed 1% by weight for conventional 
solid fuels and 0.5% by weight for 
conventional liquid fuels) for commercial and industrial appliances and require the use 
of gaseous fuel in certain areas of the 
territory. Nil 
Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design 
Standards) (Emissions) Regulations 
(Chapter 311J) To set out the emission standards for 
vehicles.  Newly registered vehicles shall comply with the latest EU or the equivalent 
U.S. and Japanese emission standards. Amendments to start introducing Euro III 
emission standards since 2001 were further amended to introduce Euro IV 
emission standards for newly registered 
vehicles of not more than 2.5 tonnes from 1 January 2006, for vehicles more than 
2.5 tonnes but not over 3.5 tonnes from 
1 January 2007. 
Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation (Chapter 311L) To set out the specifications of motor 
vehicle fuel to be used in motor vehicles and 
prohibit the sale of leaded petrol.  The 
specifications are dete rmined in accordance 
with relevant ISO/EN/ASTMa standards or 
Institute of Petroleum. Regulation amended to tighten the 
specifications for motor diesel and petrol 
to Euro IV level from 1 April 2002 and 
1 January 2005, respectively. 
To require scheduled vehi cles to be installed 
with approved emission reduction devices. Regulation came into effect on 
1 December 2003 requiring pre-Euro 
diesel vehicles up to 4 tonnes to be 
retrofitted with approved devices. Air Pollution Control (Emission Reduction Devices for Vehicles) 
Regulation (Chapter 311U) 
Under the Regulation, the Director of 
Environmental Protection shall maintain a 
register of all emission reduction devices 
approved.  The Director of Environmental Protection may include in the register an 
emission reduction devi ce only if he is 
satisfied that the device can reduce the emission of air pollutants from a motor vehicle in a manner and to an extent 
satisfactory to him and it is suitable for 
installation on a motor vehicle. Regulation amended in December 2005 
requiring pre-Euro diesel vehicles over 
4 tonnes, except those requiring the 
operation of on-board equipment when idling, to be retrofitted with approved 
emission reduction devices from 
1 April 2006. 
Air Pollution Control (Dry-Cleaning Machines) (Vapour Recovery) Regulation 
(Chapter 311T) To control the emission of 
perchloroethylene (PCE) from the dry-
cleaning industry through the imposition of 
PCE emission standard on new and existing dry-cleaning machines. Nil 
 Specifically, the concentration of PCE 
inside the drum of dry-cleaning machines 
should not exceed 300 ppmv.  
Table AIII.2 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 116 
 
 
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
Air Pollution Control (Petrol Filling 
Stations) (Vapour R ecovery) Regulation 
(Cap. 311S) Petrol storage tanks of petrol filling stations 
and petrol delivery vehicles are required to 
be installed with vapour recovery systems Regulation amended in 2005 to require 
petrol dispensers of petrol filling stations 
to be installed with vapour recovery systems for vehicle refuelling 
Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance 
(Cap. 403) To comply with the requirements of the 
Montreal Protocol on substances that 
deplete the ozone layer Amended in 2004 to impose a fee to a new 
type of licence "Combined Import and 
Export Licence" under the Ozone Layer 
Protection Ordinance. 
Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants) Regulation (Cap. 403B) To prohibit any intended release of 
controlled refrigerants from motor vehicle 
air-conditioners or refrigeration equipment 
containing more than 50 kg of refrigerant to 
charge into the atmosphere, and to conserve the controlled refrigerants through the use of 
approved recycling and recovery equipment Nil 
Ozone Layer Protection (Products 
Containing Scheduled Substances) 
(Import Banning) Regulation (Cap. 403C) To prohibit the import of products 
containing CFCs or halons from countries 
non-parties to the Montreal Protocol Nil 
Noise Control (Air Compressors) 
Regulations (Chapter 400C) To stipulate noise emission standards for 
certain portable air compressors Nil 
 Compliance with standards set out in 
Council Directive No. 84/533/EEC of the 
European Communities  
Noise Control (Hand Held Percussive 
Breakers) Regulations (Chapter 400D) To stipulate noise emission standards for 
certain hand-held percussive breakers Nil 
 Compliance with standards set out in 
Council Directive No. 84/537/EEC of the 
European Communities or similar standards is required  
Noise Control (Motor Vehicles) 
Regulation (Chapter 400I) To stipulate noise emission standards for 
motor vehicles including motorcycles;  
these are equivalent to those required in Japan and the European Union  Noise emission standards for motor 
vehicles including motorcycles tightened 
on 1 June 2002 to align with the latest noise standards adopted in the European 
Union and Japan 
Food   
Public Health and Municipal Services 
Ordinance (Chapter 132) and its 
subsidiary legislations(a)
 Colouring Matter in Food 
 Regulations (Chapter 132H) (b) Sweeteners in Food Regulations 
 (Chapter 132U) 
(c) Food Adulteration (Metallic  Contamination) Regulations 
 (Chapter 132V) 
(d) Food and Drugs (Composition and  Labelling) Regulations  
 (Chapter 132W) 
(e) Frozen Confections Regulation  (Chapter 132AC) (f) Harmful Substances in Food 
 Regulations (Chapter 132AF) 
(g) Milk Regulation (Chapter 132AQ) (h) Mineral Oils in Food Regulations 
 (Chapter 132AR) 
(i) Preservatives in Food Regulations  (Chapter 132BD) 
(j) Imported Game, Meat and Poultry 
 Regulations (Chapter 132AK) To regulate the standard of food to ensure 
that food available for human consumption 
is wholesome, safe, and properly labelled Permitted list of artificial sweeteners 
under the Sweeteners in Food Regulations 
(previously known as Food Adulteration 
(Artificial Sweeteners)) Regulations 
amended on 19 December 2003 to align it with Codex standard 
Types of additives allowed to be added to 
condensed or evaporated milk, butter or 
cream and the requirement of labelling of additives under the Food and Drugs 
(Composition and Labelling) Regulations 
amended on 9 July 2004 and 6 December 2004 to align it with Codex standard 
Scope of prohibition in respect of sale of 
food containing certain chemicals in 
excessive concentrations under the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations 
amended on 26 August 2005. 
Permitted list of antioxidants under the 
Preservatives in Food Regulations 
amended on 23 December 2005 to align it 
with Codex standard 
Table AIII.2 (cont'd) Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 117 
 
 
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
Motor vehicles   
Road Traffic (Construction and 
Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations 
(Chapter 374-A) To set out control of vehicle construction 
and maintenance Regulation related to the passenger seat 
design of public light bus updated on 
1 August 2004 to align with the United 
Nations, European Union and/or Japanese 
standard.  Maximum weight of light bus also increased 
Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) 
Regulations (Chapter 374F) To permit or require the provision or use of 
specified safety equipment (including seat 
belts, anchorage point, seats with integral seat belt anchorage, and protection helmets 
in compliance with specified overseas 
standards/design rules) by persons driving, 
riding in or on, or using, any class of vehicle 
and controlling the sale , hire or possession 
of such equipment From 1 August 2004, each rear seat of 
public light buses must be provided with a 
retractable belt 
Standards for approved protective 
helmets, approved seat belts and 
anchorage points updated on 30 June 2005 
to include new designs and standards developed and accepted by overseas 
authorities 
Construction    
Building Ordinance (Chapter 123) and its 
subsidiary legislation To provide for the planning, design, and 
construction of buildings and associated 
works;  and to make provision for rendering 
dangerous buildings and land safe 
The drafting of codes of practice and design 
manuals has been made with reference to 
available international requirements. Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2004 
came into effect in two stages on 
31 December 2004 and 
31 December 2005.  The amendments 
include registration system for geotechnical engineers, requirements on provisions and maintenance of emergency 
vehicular access to buildings and 
rationalization of the composition of contractors' registration committee, etc. 
Revised Technical Memorandum for 
Supervision Plans came into effect on 
31 December 2005.  It integrates the site safety supervision sy stem and the quality 
supervision system and simplifies the 
preparation and processing of supervision plans for construction works. 
The following codes of practice have been 
issued or updated: 
Code of Practice for Site Supervision 
2005; 
Code of Practice for Structural Use of 
Steel 2005; 
Code of Practice for Structural Use of 
Concrete 2004; 
Code of Practice for Wind Effects 2004; Code of Practice for Precast Concrete 
Construction 2003; 
Code of Practice for Foundations; 
Code of Practice for Demolition of 
Buildings 2004;  and 
Code of Practice for Means of Access for 
Fire Fighting and Rescue (updated). 
Table AIII.2 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 118 
 
 
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
Product safety    
Toys and Children's Products Safety 
Ordinance (Chapter 424) To prescribe the requirement for toys and 
children's products to comply with the 
applicable safety standards, for toys:   
European Standards EN 71, ASTM F963, 
and International Voluntary Toy Safety Standard; for children’s products, they must 
comply with the respective specifications 
listed in the Schedule to the Ordinance, including ISO, EN, BS, ASTM, AS and 
NZS. Nil 
Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance 
(Chapter 456) To stipulate that consumer goods shall 
comply with the general safety requirement. Nil 
Fire Service (Installation & Equipment) 
Regulations (Chapter 95B) To regulate the local sale and supply of 
portable firefighting equipment e.g. fire 
extinguisher, fire blanket to ensure that the 
design and make of which conform with a set of recognized international or overseas 
standards by requiring testing and 
subsequent approval by the Fire Services Department before use in Hong Kong. Nil 
Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 406) and 
its subsidiary legislations To prescribe safety requirements of all 
electrical products designed for household 
use and issue certificates of safety compliance.   
 Under the Electrical Products (Safety) 
Regulation (Chapter 406G) enacted in 
May 1998 to replace a previous regulation, 
all electrical products designed for household use and supplied in Hong Kong, 
China shall comply with both essential and 
specific safety requirements and shall be issued with certificates of safety 
compliance.  The safety requirements are 
based on the relevant international or overseas standards relevant for the purpose 
of the regulation. 
Concerning the safety standards, IEC 
standards as well as relevant 
international/national standards that comply 
with the prescribed safety requirements of 
the EPSR are acceptable. Nil 
Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance 
(Chapter 327) To ensure the safety of new brands/models 
of lift or escalator, written approval of the 
Director of Electrical and Mechanical 
Services is required before installation. Nil 
Builders' Lifts and Tower Working 
Platforms (Safety) Ordinance 
(Chapter 470) To ensure the safety of  builders' lift or tower 
working platform, the authority is the 
Director of Electrical and Mechanical 
Services. Nil 
Gas Safety Ordinance (Chapter 51) To c ontrol, in the interests of safety, the 
importation, manufacture, storage, transport, 
supply and use of gas, in accordance with 
the directive of the Gas Authority (Director 
of Electrical and Mechanical Services) for the purposes of the ordinance. Under the subsidiary legislation of the Gas 
Safety Ordinance enacted on 
1 January 2003, all domestic gas appliances to be imported or locally 
manufactured, for use in Hong Kong, shall 
be approved in accordance with the Code of Practice GU05. 
Table AIII.2 (cont'd) Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 119 
 
 
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
Telecommunications   
Telecommunications Ordinance 
(Chapter 106) and its subsidiary 
regulations To make better provision for the licensing 
and control of telecommunications, 
telecommunications services, and 
telecommunications apparatus and 
equipment. 
Technical telecommunications regulations 
in the form of Hong Kong 
Telecommunications Authority (HKTA) 
specifications and re gulations/exemption 
orders have been stipulated for the purpose 
of licensing and control of 
telecommunications, telecommunication services, and teleco mmunication apparatus 
and equipment.  The specifications adopted 
are identical to or e ssentially in line with 
international standards. Telecommunications 
(Telecommunications Apparatus) 
(Exemption from Licensing) 
(Amendment) Order 2003, which updated 
and relaxed the regulatory regime on telecommunications apparatus.  In 
particular, new frequency bands would be 
released for the public to deploy new wireless apparatus in Hong Kong.  These 
included the opening of a new frequency 
band in 5150-5350 MHz for establishing wireless local area networks (LAN), as 
well as the opening of new bands for 
cordless telephones, wireless smart card systems, short-range radio systems etc. 
  Telecommunications 
(Telecommunications Apparatus) 
(Exemption from Licensing) (Amendment) Order 2005,which extended 
the coverage of the order to additional 
types of telecommunications apparatus operating at the specified radio frequency bands: 
- Radio frequency identification (RFID) 
apparatus:  865-868 MHz and 920-925 
MHz;   
  - Mobile earth stations for mobile-
satellite service:  1518-1525 MHz and 
1668-1675 MHz; 
- Wireless local area network 
equipment:  5470-5725 MHz; 
- Automotive radar systems:  76-77 
GHz;  and  
- Control apparatus for model aircrafts:  
35.145-35.225 MHz, 40.66-40.70 
MHz, 72.00-72.02 MHz, 72.12-72.14 MHz, 72.16-72.22 MHz and 72.26-
72.28 MHz. 
Dangerous goods   
Dangerous Goods Ordinance 
(Chapter 295) and its subsidiary 
legislation To prescribe rules on classification, 
labelling, packing, and storage of dangerous 
goods. To align local rules with international 
standards in respect of the classification, 
labelling, packing, and conveyance of 
dangerous goods;  the Fire Services 
Department is taking steps to amend the relevant legislati on.  The Dangerous 
Goods Ordinance was revised in 
March 2002;  amendments to its subsidiary legislation are under way.  
Air transport   
Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) 
Regulations (Chapter 448 sub.leg.A) To provide for the general policy on 
application, approval, issue, revocation and 
suspension of:  (i) licences and operating 
permits for scheduled journeys;  and (ii) permits for journeys other than scheduled 
journeys, and relate d general provisions. Regulation 4 of the Air Transport 
(Licensing of Air Services) Regulations 
(Cap. 448A) was amended on 
5 March 2004 to prescribe a quorum for Air Transport Licensing Authority 
(ATLA) through legislative means.  The 
quorum at a meeting of the ATLA for the dispatch of business is prescribed to be 
three members. 
Table AIII.2 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 120 
 
 
Ordinance/Regulation Summary of the le gislation Changes since 1 January 2002 
  Regulation 4 of the Air Transport 
(Licensing of Air Services) Regulations 
(Cap. 448A) was amended on 8 February 2005 to empower the ATLA to 
establish its own procedures. 
The Statute Law (Miscellaneous 
Provisions) Ordinance 2005 was 
introduced on 8 July 2005 to provide for miscellaneous amendments to various 
Ordinances and for connected purposes, 
i.e. to rectify errors in the references in 
certain provisions to other provisions in 
Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) 
Regulations (Cap. 448A). 
a International Organisation of Standardisation;  European Standards;  and ASTM International. 
Source:  Information provided by the Hong Kong, China authorities. Hong Kong, China WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 
 Page 121 
 
 
Table AIV.1 
Assistance to agriculture and fisheries, 2006 
Programme Objective Sources of funding Terms of the loan (interest 
rate, maturity, amount, etc.) 
Agriculture and 
Fisheries    
Emergency Relief 
Fund The Fund is intended to provide 
prompt assistance to persons 
(including farmers, fishermen and other citizens) in need of relief as 
a result of a natural disaster such 
as tempest, typhoon, rainstorm, landslide, and flooding.  
Grants are made available to 
fishermen for repair or replacement of fishing vessels 
and fishing gear damaged for loss 
as a result of natural disaster, fire, boat capsize, shipwreck or explosion.  Grants are available to 
applicants who are found to have 
suffered a loss to an extent that merits assistance. Funded by the Government M oney is granted to victims 
of natural disasters as 
ex-gratia payment rather than loan  
During 2005/06, grants 
totalling HK$3,176,162 and HK$523,920  were released 
to farmers and fishermen.  
Kadoorie 
Agricultural Aid Loan Fund  Loans are granted to individual 
farmers, pond-fish operators and mariculturists for development 
and working capital. Governmental and non-governmental 
sources.  The Fund was established in 1955 under the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan 
Fund Ordinance with a capital of 
HK$500,000.  Half of this sum was donated by the Hong Kong Government and the 
other half by Lord Kadoorie, L.L.D., J.P. 
and Sir Horace Kadoorie, J.P.  Government further donated HK$750,000 in 1957, 
HK$500,000 in 1960 and HK$500,000 in 
1971.  The Kadoorie brothers also donated another HK$500,000 in 1971, bringing the 
capital of the Fund to HK$2,750,000.  
Income is derived from interest on loans and on bank deposits. During 2005/06, 122 loans 
totalling to HK$10,685,000 
were issued
a 
 
Agriculture    
Vegetable 
Marketing 
Organization Loan 
Fund Loans are granted to crop farmers 
for agricultural production and 
development. Non-governmental source. It is a revolving 
fund established in 1953 and financed by 
the surplus earnings of the Vegetable 
Marketing Organization, a statutory body operating on a self-financing basis with its 
main source of revenue derived from the 
levy of commission and fees for the wholesale services and facilities provided to the farming community.  During 2005/06, 72 loans 
totalling HK$3,935,000 
were issued
a 
J.E. Joseph Trust 
Fund Loans are granted to farmers' 
cooperative societies and individual farmers for use either 
as development or working 
capital.   Governmental and non-governmental 
sources. The Fund has a capital of HK$4,261,107 with HK$459,554 being 
the original amount paid to the Trustee in 
1954, HK$1,553 being a further payment made by the Hong Kong and Shanghai 
Banking (Trustee) Ltd. in 1961, 
HK$750,000 contributed by the Hong Kong Government in July, 1957 as a 
special relief fund following the 
disastrous floods in May that year, HK$3,000,000 donated by a private 
individual in 1991 and HK$50,000 
donated by the agricultural industry in 1996/1997.  Income is derived from 
interest on loans and on bank deposits  For the fiscal year 2005/06 
85 loans totalling HK$7,309,000 were 
approved, of which 4 loans 
amounting to HK$540,000 
were corporate loans
a   
 
Table AIV.1 (cont'd) WT/TPR/S/173/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review 
Page 122 
 
 
Programme Objective Sources of funding Terms of the loan (interest 
rate, maturity, amount, 
etc.) 
Fisheries    
Fisheries Development Loan 
Fund To facilitate the sustainable 
development of the fishery 
industry by providing loans to fishermen for building new 
fishing vessels capable of fishing 
in distant waters, upgrading existing vessels and/or 
enhancing/procuring fishing 
equipment. Funded by the Government. No loan was granted during 
2005/06;  interest rate fixed at 
6% per annum
b 
Fish Marketing 
Organization Loan 
Fund To provide loans to fishermen for 
repair, replacement or provision 
of fishing vessels, gear and 
equipment, and for any other approved purposes which will sustain or improve the applicant’s fishing business. Non-governmental source.  It is a 
revolving fund established in 1946 and 
financed by the surplus earnings of the Fish Marketing Organization, a statutory 
body operating on a self-financing basis 
with its main source of revenue derived from the levy of commission and fees for 
the wholesale services and facilities 
provided to the fishing community.  Loans approved for the fiscal 
year 2005/06
c: 
- normal loans:  31 loans 
totalling HK$3,080,000;  
and 
- special loans for fishermen 
affected by the annual 
fishing moratorium:  500 loans totalling HK$43,210,000.  
World Refuge Year Loan Fund Loans may be granted to 
registered fishermen's co-operative societies or their 
members for any project deemed 
to be of social or economic benefit, either to the society or 
individual members of the 
society.  Non-governmental source.  It is a 
revolving fund established in 1954 with funding from the United Nations High 
Commissioner for Refugees.  Income is 
derived from interest on loans and bank deposits.  During 2005/06, six loans 
issued amounting to 
HK$1,210,000
c 
Co-operative for 
American Relief 
Everywhere Loan Fund (CARELF)  To provide loans to fishermen for 
repair, replacement or provision 
of fishing vessels, gear and equipment, and for any other approved purposes which will sustain or improve the applicant's 
fishing business. Non-governmental source.  It is a 
revolving fund established in 1957 with 
funding from the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere.  Income is 
derived from interest on loans and bank 
deposits.  During 2005/06, no loans 
issued under CARELF
c 
 
a Interest rates applicable to Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fu nd, J.E. Joseph Trust Fund, and Vegetable Marketing Organization 
Loan Fund as at 31 March, 2006 were 1.625% per annum for a loan of less than HK$100,000 for development capital;  2.1667% 
per annum for a loan of less than HK$100,000 for working capita l;  4.375% per annum for a loan over HK$100,000 and less than 
HK$160,000;  6.5833% per annum for a loan of HK$160,000 and abov e; and 1.0834% for a corporate loan (for J.E. Joseph Trust 
Fund only).  
b The average best lending rate as at  31 March 2006 was 7.5833% per annum. 
c Interest rates applicable to Fish Marketing Organization Loan  Fund (except special loans), World Refuge Year Loan Fund and 
Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere Loan Fund as at  31 March, 2006 were 5.67% per annum for individual fisherman 
and 3% per annum for registered cooperative societies and their me mbers.   The interest rate for the special loans for fisherme n 
affected by the annual moratorium under the Fish Marketing Organization Loan  Fund was 2% per annum.   
Source:  Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Depa rtment online information.  Viewed at:  
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/English/agriculture/agr_loan/ agr_loan.html [28 April 2006];  and WTO document 
G/SCM/N/123/HKG, 9 February 2006. 
 
__________