WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
4 October 2005 
 (05-4411) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
 
 
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures1 
 
HONG KONG, CHINA 
 
 
 The following communication2, dated 27 September 2 005, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Hong Kong, China. 
_______________ 
 
 
I. TRADE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT..........................................................................3  
A. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR TEXTILES .................................................................................3  
B. IMPORTATION OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES ..............................................................................5  
C. IMPORT CONTROL ON RICE , ROUGH DIAMONDS , PESTICIDES (METHYL BROMIDE ), 
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES , RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND 
IRRADIATING APPARATUS , AND OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ..............................................8  
II. CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT........................................................................14  
A. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ......................................................14  
B. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED CHEMICALS (FOR SUBSTANCES LISTED 
IN SCHEDULES 1 AND 2 OF THE CONTROL OF CHEMICALS ORDINANCE , CHAPTER  145  
ONLY ).............................................................................................................................. ..........16  
C. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR OPTICA L DISC MASTERING AND REPLICATION 
EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................... .17 
III. CIVIL ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT..................................19  
A. IMPORT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SAND .......................................................................................19  
IV. AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND CO NSERVATION DEPARTMENT.....................21  
A. IMPORT CONTROL ON PLANTS , PLANT PESTS AND SOIL ............................................................21  
B. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR ENDANGE RED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS .................23  
C. IMPORT CONTROL ON LIVE ANIMALS ........................................................................................25  
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. 
2 This notification replaces the notifi cation circulated in document G/LIC/ N/3/HKG/8 dated 27 October 2004.  
Annexes I-XXIII referred to in the notification are ava ilable for consultation in the Secretariat (Market Access 
Division).  Most of the Annexes can also be viewed/downloaded from the webpages specified.  Major updatings 
essentially concern "Import Licensing System for Textiles" (Part IA) which has been revised to reflect 
Hong Kong, China's textiles control system from 2005 onwards. G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 2 
 
 
 D. IMPORT CONTROL ON PESTICIDES .............................................................................................26  
V. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION DEPARTMENT.....................................................28  
A. IMPORT CONTROL ON WASTE ....................................................................................................28  
VI. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE DEPARTMENT.......................................31  
A. IMPORT CONTROL ON FROZEN OR CHILLED MEAT AND POULTRY .............................................31  
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 3 
 
 
 I. TRADE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT 
A. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR TEXTILES  
Outline of system  
 
1. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) maintains an import licensing system 
for textiles imports from all sources .  It functions as a surveillance system to back up HKSAR's textiles 
export control system.  The system is administered  by the Trade and Industry Department.  Importers 
are required to cover each consignment with textiles import licences issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry prior to the actual arrival of the goods, unless they have been registered under the 
Textiles Trader Registration Scheme and so exempted from the import licensing requirements. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers the importation of all textiles products, with the exception of :  
 
(a) woven or knitted fabric swat ches and sample yarn imported by air and not exceeding 0.8 m2 in 
size in respect of fabric swat ches and 1.2 kg in weight in respect of each type of yarn; 
 
(b) textiles articles imported by an  individual for his personal use or as bona fide gifts to another 
individual; and 
 
(c) textiles articles imported as part of the provisions required for consumption or use by the crew 
or passengers of the vessel, aircraft or vehicle on which the articles are carried. 
 
 For (b) and (c), textiles pr oducts imported are exempted from  licensing requirement provided 
that they are in a quantity which is reasonable havi ng regard to the purpose for which they are imported.  
 
3. The system applies to tex tiles coming from any places. 
 
4. The textiles import lice nsing system is not intended to restri ct the quantity or value of imports, 
but to function as a surveillance system to back up HKSAR's textiles export cont rol system.  Traders are, 
however, provided with a convenient alternative of joining the Textiles Trader Registration Scheme, 
under which registered textiles trader s need only to lodge notifications completed by themselves, in lieu 
of licences issued by the Trade and Industry Depa rtment, to cover their imported consignments from 
designated economies.  Textiles imports from othe r economies may be covered by comprehensive 
import licence which is valid for a year to cover multiple textiles imports.   
 5. The textiles import licensing sy stem is a statutory requirement maintained under the Import and 
Export Ordinance, Chapter 60 of the Laws of Hong Kong which also provides fo r registered textiles 
traders to be exempted from certai n licensing requirements.  The law does not provide for administrative 
discretion to designate particular type of textiles imports from ce rtain economies to be subject to 
licensing requirement.  Any alterations to the text iles import licensing syst em requires legislative 
approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) A textiles importer may obtain a consignment-sp ecific textiles import licence prior to, but not 
more than, 28 days before the arrival of goods as the textiles import licence is  valid for 28 days.  Under 
normal circumstances, a consignment-specific textiles import licence applicatio n is approved two clear G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 4 
 
 
 working days after application.  Po st-import applications i.e. after the goods in question have arrived, 
may be approved retrospectively only under exceptional circumstances. 
 
Alternatively, textiles importers may apply for comprehensive import licence which are 
downloadable through the internet to cover multiple sh ipments of applicable tex tiles imports within the 
one year validity.  
 
For textiles trader registered under the Textiles Trader Registra tion Scheme, they also have the 
option to lodge an import notification or a tranship ment notification (if the goods are transhipment 
cargo), where applicable, completed by himself in pape r form or electronic form, in lieu of an import 
licence, before importation.  Electronic service for the submission of textiles notifications has been launched since 30 May 2003.  During the current transi tional period before full migration to electronic 
services, registered textiles traders who are not yet ready to submit their textiles notifications by the 
electronic service may submit their textiles notifications in paper form.  The end date of the transitional period will be determined in due course.  
 
(b) Expeditious issue of a licence ma y be granted in justified cases. 
 
(c) Import licence applications may be made all year around. 
 (d) The Trade and Industry Department is the so le administrative organ responsible for  the 
processing and approval of  textiles import licences. 
 8. An application for an import licence (incl uding comprehensive import licence) is normally 
approved if it meets the ordinary criteria.  In the ev ent of refusal to issue a licence, the reasons will be 
given. The applicant has a right to appe al to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All individuals and businesses  registered in the HKSAR are eligible to apply for consignment-
specific textiles import licences and comprehens ive import licence.  Al l importers, exporters, 
manufacturers, carriers and freight forwarders may apply for regi stration under the Textiles Trader 
Registration Scheme.  The registration fee is currently HK$2,825 per annum. 
  There are no published lists of authorized importers. 
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10. For the application of textil es import licence, the importe r has to provide information on 
particulars of the importer, foreign e xporter and details of the consignment. 
 
 Samples of Import Licence (Textiles) Form 7, Comprehensive Import Licence (Textiles), 
Import Notification (Textiles), and Transhipme nt Notification (Textiles) are at Annex I3. No 
supporting documents are required for import licence appl ications (Form 7) submitted before the arrival 
of goods.  For comprehensive import licence, suppor ting documents to evidence the identity of the 
individual or business entity are required.  
 
                                                      
3 Samples of Import Licence (Textiles) Form 7, Import  Notification (Textiles), and Transhipment Notification 
(Textiles) can be viewed from: 
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version) 
Sample of Comprehensive Import Licence  (Textiles) can be viewed from: 
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/ aboutus/tradecircular/all_i n_one/2004/files/as432004b.pdf  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 5 
 
 
 11. A valid import licence (textiles) Form 7 or a comprehensive import licence or a completed 
import notification or transhipment notific ation is required upon actual importation. 
 12. The fee for an application for Import Licence (Textiles) Form 7 is HK$40.  A fee of HK$0.5 is 
charged for each notification form and the same is charged for each electronic submission of a fresh 
textiles notification.  No fee is charged for applica tion of comprehensive import  licence (textiles) during 
2005. 
 13.  No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. A consignment-specific textiles import licence is valid for 28 days from the date of issue, 
whereas a comprehensive import licence is valid for not le ss than 12 months form the date of issue.  The 
validity of a licence cannot be extended.  Under no rmal circumstances, the licence applicant should 
request cancellation of the expired li cence and apply for a new licence. 
 15. A textiles import licence not utilised within the validity period must be submitted to the Trade 
and Industry Department for cancellation.  Similarl y, a licence should be submitted for amendment if 
necessary.  The Trade and Industry Department may take legal and/or  administrative action against 
unreported short-shipment or non-utilisation of consignment- specific import licences. 
 
16. Not transferable.  
17. No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
B. I
MPORTATION OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES  
Outline of system  
 
1. The licensing control system on the import of  strategic commodities is  administered by the 
Trade and Industry Department.  However, certain st rategic commodities such as arms and ammunition, 
explosives and radio transmitting equipment4 are also subject to the c ontrols administered by other 
government departments. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licences are required for strategic co mmodities.  Examples of  strategic commodities 
include certain arms and ammuniti on, explosives, nuclear materials,  facilities and equipment, body 
armours, carbon fibres and prep regs, high-speed digital computers, memory devices made from 
compound semiconductors, sophisticated communic ation systems, encryption equipment for 
information security, night vision image intensif ier systems, chemical weapon precursors and 
                                                      
4 Radio transmitting equipment in transit is exempted from the licensing requirement.  In addition, radio 
transmitting equipment which is transhipment cargo is subj ect to a pre-notification system for trade facilitation 
purpose. G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 6 
 
 
 manufacturing facilities,  certain biological agents, plant pathogens and related manufacturing 
equipment, and facilities and articles for a use re lating to nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods or iginating in and coming from any places. 
 
4. The import licensing system on strategic commodities is not intended to restrict the quantity or 
value of imports.  Instead, it is to prevent HKSAR fro m being used as a prolifer ation centre for strategic 
commodities and to ensure HKSAR's con tinuous access to high technology products. 
 
5. The import licensing system is a statutor y requirement maintained under respective 
Ordinances and their subsidiary legislation under th e Laws of Hong Kong (see below).  Legislation 
does not leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Any 
changes such as subjecting a new product to import licensing or removal of an existing product 
therefore require legislative approval.    
 Strategic Commodities are subject to the co ntrol of the Import and Export (Strategic 
Commodities) Regulations made under the Import  and Export Ordinance, Cap 60, Laws of 
Hong Kong.  Certain strategic commodities are also subject to the controls of other Ordinances: 
 
Product
 
 Relevant Ordinance  
Radio transmitting equipment   Sectio ns 8 and 9 of the Telecommunications 
Ordinance, Cap. 106 
  
Arms, ammunition and explosives Arms  and ammunition are controlled under 
Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238 
and explosives are controlled under Dangerous 
Goods Ordinance, Cap. 295 
 
Procedures  
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Licence applications should  be submitted in advance of im portation taking into account the 
processing time required by the Trade and Indust ry Department, which is normally two and a 
half clear working days for impo rt licence appl ications covering strate gic commodities, and the 
processing time of other departments: 
 
(i) Hong Kong Police Force (for arms and am munition): normally two working days (by 
hand) or ten working days (by post) for Limited Licence for Possession, 28 working 
days for an exemption, or six to twelve m onths for the Arms Deal er's Licence provided 
that full details are given by the applicant.  Limited Licence for Possession will only be 
issued to holders of licence for possession or de aler's licence. 
 
(ii) Office of the Telecommunications Author ity (for radio transmitting equipment): within 
four working days for Radi o Dealers Licence and one clear working day for Import 
Permit. 
 (iii) Marine Department (for direct transhipment  of explosives in vessels): 48 hours before 
arrival of the goods. 
 (iv) Civil Engineering Department (for endor sement on import licence application of 
explosives): instantly.  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 7 
 
 
  (b) Requests for expeditious processing of import licence application will be entertained when there 
are sufficient justifications.  For strategic commodities importe d without a licence owing to 
unforeseen circumstances, consideration will  be given to issuing an import licence 
retrospectively on an exceptional basis. 
 
 (c) There is no limitation as to the period of th e year during which applications for licence and/or 
importation may be made. 
  (d) Trade and Industry Department is responsib le for the processing and approval of strategic 
commodities licences.  For applications concer ning arms, ammunition, explosives and radio 
transmitting equipment, the importer has to sep arately approach the relevant government 
departments in paragraph 7(a) above for e ndorsement on import or legitimate possession of 
the subject products.  
 8. Applications for import of strategic comm odities for legitimate use would normally be 
approved, unless there is doubt on the end-use of the goods or there is suspicion that the items imported 
may be re-exported illega lly. Import licence applications may al so be refused in cases where an 
international trade sanction on the exporting country is in  force.  In the case of refusal to issue a licence, 
the reasons will be given.  The applicant has a right to appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR by 
writing to the Chief Secretary for Administration.  The right to appeal to the Chief Executive is 
statutorily provided. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All firms, institutions and individuals are el igible to apply for import licences except under 
special circumstances where licensing facilities to  them are denied owing to malpractice of the 
firm/institution/individual or some other special reasons. 
  For the purpose of maintaining interference c ontrol, any person who im ports or exports radio 
transmitting equipment (except equipment which is artic le in transit or tranship ment cargo) is required 
to obtain a permit from the Telecommunications Author ity unless he is a holder of a "Radio Dealers 
Licence" issued by the Telecommunic ations Authority to deal in the c ourse of trade or business in radio 
transmitting apparatus. 
 Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10. A sample form is at Annex II5.  Catalogues/technical specific ations of the products under 
application have to be submitted with the applica tion for technical assessme nt purpose.  As the case 
warrants, additional supporting document s/information may be required to  be submitted to substantiate 
the case.  
 For arms and ammuniti on, samples of application forms fo r a Limited Licence for Possession, 
an Exemption and an Arms Dealer’s Licence mentioned in para. 7(a)(i) are at Annexes III
6, IV6 and V6 
respectively. 
 
  
                                                     
 
5 Sample of the form can be viewed from: 
http://www.stc.tid.gov. hk/english/download/files/il_paper_form.pdf  (English version) 
6 The application forms can be downloaded from: 
http://www.info.gov.hk/police/hkp-home/english/forms/index.htm  (English version) G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 8 
 
 
  For radio transmitting equipment, samples of application forms for Ra dio Dealers Licence and 
Import Permit mentioned in 7(a)(ii) are at Annexes VI7 and VII7 respectively. 
 11. A valid import licence is re quired upon actual importation. 
 
12. No licensing fee is charged.  
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An import licence covering strate gic commodities is valid for six mo nths from the date of issue.  
The validity cannot be extende d under normal circumstances. 
 
15. No.  Importers should however return an unused  licence to the Trade and Industry Department 
for cancellation. 
 
16. Not transferable.  
17. An import licence concerning strategic comm odities is usually issued with the following 
conditions:  "Re-export must be covered by an export  licence issued by the Di rector-General of Trade 
and Industry" and "The goods covered by this licence are not to be used  in relation to nuclear, biological 
or chemical weapons or missile capable of delivering these weapons".  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No other administrative procedures required. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
C. I
MPORT CONTROL ON RICE , ROUGH DIAMONDS , PESTICIDES (METHYL BROMIDE ), 
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES , RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND IRRADIATING 
APPARATUS , AND OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of system  
 
1. Licences/certificates are re quired for import of rice, rough diamonds, pesticides (methyl 
bromide), pharmaceutical products a nd medicines, radioactive substances  and irradiating apparatus, and 
ozone-depleting substances.  Thes e import controls are applied for safety, health, environmental 
protection reasons, or for fulfilme nt of HKSAR's international obligations.  The control system is 
primarily operated by the Trade and Industry Department.  Ozone-deplet ing substances import licences 
are issued by the Trade and Industry Department  under delegation from the Environmental Protection 
Department.  Import licences for pe sticides containing methyl bromid e, an ozone-depleting substance, 
are issued by the Trade and Indus try Department.  Import licences  for pharmaceutical products and 
medicines are issued by the De partment of Health under delegation from the Trade and Industry 
Department.   
                                                     
 
7 The application forms can be downloaded from: 
http://www.ofta.gov.hk/en/howto/form-list.html  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 9 
 
 
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 2. Import licensing/control is intended for the following purposes: 
 
 Products
 Purpose of control  
(a) rice  maintaining a reserve stock for emergency purpose  
(b) rough diamonds international obligation (c) pesticides  public health 
(d) pharmaceutical products and 
medicines  public health 
(e) radioactive substances and irradiating 
apparatus  public health 
(f) ozone-depleting substances  environmental protection 
 
3. The system applies to products coming from all places except item (f) of paragraph 2 above.  
For item (b), all imports of rough diamonds from non-participa nts of the Kimberley Process
8 have been 
banned since 2 January 2003.  For item (f), the import s of ozone-depleting substa nces are banned unless 
such imports are allowed u nder the Montreal Protocol. 
 4. The principal objective of the im port licensing/certificati on system is not to restrict the quantity 
or value of imports, but for purposes set out in para graph 2 above.  A quantitative limit is imposed for 
imports of some ozone-depleting substances to ensu re that the amount of oz one-depleting substances 
retained for local consumption does not exceed levels agreed under th e Montreal Protoc ol on Substances 
that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
5. The import licensing/certificatio n system is a statutory requireme nt maintained under respective 
Ordinances under the Laws of Hong Kong (see belo w).  Legislation does not  leave designation of 
product to be subjected to licensing/ certification to administrative di scretion.  Any changes such as 
subjecting a new product to import li censing/certification or removal of an existing product therefrom 
require legisla tive approval. 
 
Product
 Relevant Ordinance  
 
(a) Rice:  
(b) Rough diamonds: 
 
 
(c) Pesticides:  
 
 
 
(d) Pharmaceutical products and medicines: Reserved Commodities Ordinance, Cap. 296 
 
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
 
Pesticides Ordinance, Cap. 133  
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import 
and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
 
Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap. 138  
Import and Export (General) Regulations, Import 
and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
  
                                                     
 
8 The Kimberley Process is a negotiating forum originated from discussions in the United Nations General 
Assembly regarding rebel activities in some parts of A frica.  The forum aims at stopping trade in "conflict 
diamonds" from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of re bel movements and illicit proliferation of armament. G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 10 
 
 
 Product  Relevant Ordinance  
 
(e) Radioactive substances and 
irradiating apparatus: 
 
 
 
(f)         Ozone depleting substances: Radiation Ordinance, Cap. 303 
 
Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations, 
Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 
 
Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance, Cap. 403 
 
Procedures  
 6. Only the importation of some ozone-depleting substances (viz. hydrochlorofluorocarbons) for 
local consumption is subject to quantitative restriction: 
I. Under the current quota alloca tion system, part of the quotas (normal quotas) are allocated 
automatically to the existing registered import ers, based on twelve-month performance in the 
previous control year; the remaining part of the quotas (free quotas)are open to all applicants on 
a first-come-first-served basis.  Before the end of the control peri od, letters are sent to existing 
registered importers informing them the normal quotas allocation  for the subsequent control 
year.  Within the control period, all registered  importers could also apply for free quotas.  
However, for the registered importers who ha ve been allocated normal quotas, they cannot 
apply for free quota until their normal quotas ha ve been exhausted.  A common ceiling of a 
certain amount of quota is assigned to each i ndividual importer applying for free quotas.  The 
ceiling is subject to change and review in acc ordance with market situations.  Information 
concerning the quota allocation and licensing system s is available to the general public through 
a website: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/olp
.  Information on the total amount of quota 
under the quota allocation system is  also available upon request. 
 
II. The size of quotas, which is  calculated on yearly  basis, is determined according to the 
requirements of the Montreal Protocol.  Licences are issued to registered companies on 
individual consignment basis. 
 III. The Government will closely monitor the utilisation of quotas and licences.  Importers are 
required to notify the Trade and Industry Departme nt of details of the import within 14 days 
after importation.  Unused allocations will no t be carried forward to the quotas for the 
succeeding control period because the maximum leve l for each control period i.e. per calendar 
year is fixed in accordance with the requiremen ts of the Montreal Protocol.  A list of quota 
holders is available upon request. 
 
IV. Submission of applications for licences may be made at any time.  However, applications for 
imports of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for local consumption will only be considered if 
the applicants have enough valid quot as or sufficient quotas could be allocated to the applicants 
for the relevant control period.  Methyl bromide could be imported with a valid licence provided 
that importers have obtained a valid Pesticides Permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and 
Conservation Department and the import of methyl  bromide is restricted to quarantine and pre-
shipment applications. 
 
V. Import licences are normally i ssued in two clear working days. 
 VI. The current control period for ozone-depleting substances is from 1 January to 
31 December 2005.  To facilitate imports at the be ginning of the succeeding control period, the 
Trade and Industry  Department will provide licensing servi ce one week prior to the expiry of 
the current control period. 
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 11 
 
 
 VII. Importers only need to a pproach the Trade and Industry  Department for registration and 
application and issue of licences. 
 VIII. Normal quotas are allocated to  registered importers with rega rd to their performance in the 
previous control period.  Free quotas for HCFC s are allocated throughout the control period to 
all eligible applicants (see para. 9(c) below) , including new importers, on a first-come-first-
served basis.  A commo n ceiling of a certain amount of quot a is assigned to each individual 
importer applying for free quota.  The ceiling is subject to change and review in accordance 
with market situations.  Regist ered importers can also acquire the quotas through quota transfer 
from the existing normal quota holders. 
 IX-X. Not applicable. 
 
XI. In the case of import for re-e xport where quotas are not required,  combined “import and export 
licence” or separate licences wh ere applicable, will be issued on condition that the goods will 
have to be exported within the validity period of the licences. 
 7.(a) Application for import licences/certificates should be submitted in advance of importation 
taking into account the processing time.  The pr ocessing time is one clea r working day for rice 
and radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus, and two clear working days for ozone-
depleting substances and methyl bromide.  As  regards the import certificates for rough 
diamonds, instant service is provided. 
 (b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request. 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the peri od of the year during which application for 
licence/certificate and/or importation may be made. 
 (d) The Trade and Industry Department is the so le administrative organ for the processing and 
approval of import licences/ce rtificates covering rice, r ough diamonds, ozone-depleting 
substances, methyl bromide, and radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus whereas an importer has to approach the Department of He alth for the processing and approval of import 
licences covering pharmaceutical products and medicines. 
 8. Under normal circumstances, an application for an import licenc e/certificate is usually granted 
if it meets the ordinary criteria.  In the event of refu sal, the reasons will be gi ven.  Applicants for items 
2(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) above may appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR in the event of refusal 
to issue an import licence/certificates.  The Chief Executive may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of 
the Director-General of Trade and Industry.  The right to appeal to the Chief Executive is statutorily 
provided.  For item 2(f), applicants may appeal to  the Administrative Appeals Board against decision of 
refusal to grant a licence by the Director of Environmental Protection. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9.(a) For rice (imported for local consumption), a co mpany is required to be re gistered with the Trade 
and Industry Department first before  it can apply for an import lice nce.  Registration is open for 
application throughout the year.  All business ente rprises registered in the HKSAR can apply.  
No fee is charged for the registration.  An up-to -date list of registered importers is maintained 
by the Department for inspection by the public at a fee of HK$5. 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 12 
 
 
 (b) For rough diamonds, a person carrying on a business of importing rough diamonds must be 
registered with the Trade and Industry Depart ment first before it can apply for an import 
certificate.  Registration is open to all pers ons on payment of a fee of HK$840 (valid for 2 
years).  An up-to-date list of registered rough diamond traders is available upon request. 
 
(c) For ozone-depleting substances, a company is re quired to register with the Trade and Industry 
Department before it can apply for an import lice nce.  Registration is open to all companies on 
payment of a fee of HK$2,805 (valid for 2 calendar  years).  A list of re gistered importers is 
available upon request. 
 
(d) For import of radioactive substances or irradiating apparatus, a separate Radioactive Substances 
Licence or Irradiating Apparatus Licence, as a ppropriate, issued by the Radiation Board is 
required. 
 
Radioactive Substances Licence: the applicant is required, inte r alia, to appoint a person to 
supervise the activities under the licence.  Th e supervisor should have undergone the necessary 
training on radiation protection recognised by the Radiation Board.  It may take up to 8 weeks 
for the issuance of the licence if site assessment is required.  Licence fee is HK$2,770. 
 
Irradiating Apparatus Licence: for sale of irradiating apparatus in Hong Kong, the applicant is 
required to provide the specifications of the ir radiating apparatus, a nd test reports showing 
conformance with international st andards, for assessment by the Radiation Board.  Licence fee 
is HK$570. 
 
(e) For pharmaceutical products and medicines, only those products which have been registered 
with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board are allowed to be imported for the purpose of local sale 
or distribution.  A company is required to hold an appropriate dealer's licence issued by the 
Pharmacy and Poisons Board before it can apply for an import licence.  Application for the dealer's licence is open to all business enterp rises dealing in pharm aceutical products and 
medicines.  A fee is charged for the licen ce, which may range fr om HK$780 to HK$1,220 
depending on the type of licence.  There is a published list of licensed importers and exporters 
of pharmaceutical products and a published list of wholesalers of poisons in the Pharmaceutical 
Service website: http://www.info.gov.hk/pharmser/
. 
  (f) For pesticides (methyl bromide), a company is required to hold a pesticides permit issued by the 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Departme nt before it can appl y for an import licence 
except where the pesticide is being imported on a valid through bill of la ding.  If imported on 
such a bill of lading, no pesticides permit is re quired.  Application for a pesticides permit is 
open to all business enterprises wishing to deal in  pesticides.  A fee is charged for the permit, 
which may range from HK$855 to HK$1,435 dependi ng on the type of permit.  There is no 
published list of permitted importers.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence/certificate
 
 
10. Information to be supplied in cludes particulars of the importer,  of the importation and of the 
products to be imported.  Certain documents are also required to suppor t licence/certific ate applications 
of the following products: 
   G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 13 
 
 
  Item   
 Document  
(a) Rough diamonds A copy of the Kimberley Process Certificate 
issued by the relevant exporting country/place 
 
(b) Radioactive substances and   
 irradiating apparatus  A copy of the Radioactive Substances Licence or 
Irradiating Apparatus Li cence as appropriate 
issued by the Radiation Board  
(c) Pesticides (methyl bromide) A pesticides permit issued by the Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation Department authorizing the importer to trade in pesticides or a 
valid through bill of lading 
 11. The import licence is the only document re quired by the Government of HKSAR on actual 
importation. 
 12. Apart from applications covering ozone-deple ting substances and rough diamonds, no licensing 
fee is required for import licence applications.  For ozone-depleting substances licences, a fee of  
HK$940 and HK$1,330 is charged on the issue of an im port licence and a combin ed "import and export 
licence" respectively.  The price of ozone-depletin g substances import lice nce forms and combined 
"import and export licence" forms are HK$28 pe r pad (containing 5 sets ) and HK$34 per pad 
(containing 5 sets) respectively.  The price of non -textiles import licence forms is HK$26 per pad 
(containing 20 sets).  For rough diam onds import certificate, a fee of  HK$175 is charged on the issue of 
a certificate and the price of impo rt certificate forms is  HK$21 per pad (containing 20 sets)/ HK$6 per 
set. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. Unless otherwise stated, an import licence/certificate is valid for 28 days for rough diamonds, 
six weeks for rice, sixty days for ozone-depleti ng substances and six months for the other products 
listed in paragraph 2.  The period of validity can be extended by the Director-General of Trade and 
Industry depending on the merits of individual requests. 
 
15. No.  Importers should however cance l or amend the licences/certificates. 
 
16.  Not transferable.  17. Apart from the licensing/certification conditions printed on the front or back of the import 
licence/certificate (samples of the Import Licence Fo rm 3 applicable to items (a), (c) to (e) in 
paragraph 2, Import Certificate for item (b) in pa ragraph 2, Import Licence Form and Combined  
"Import and Export Licence" Form for item (f) in paragraph 2 are respectively at Annexes VIII
9, IX9 
and X9), additional conditions set out in Annex XI  are applicable to rice imported for local 
consumption and for re-export respectively.   
 
                                                      
9 Samples of these forms can be viewed from:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 14 
 
 
 Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. A removal permit which is issued free of char ge by the Radiation Board on behalf of the 
Commissioner for Labour, is required for moving radi oactive substance on vehicles or vessels within 
the HKSAR.  Each conveyance of radioactive substa nce should be under the supervision of the owner, 
consignor of the substances or his representative auth orised in that behalf, who are holding recognised 
qualifications on radiological protection. 
 19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
II. CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT 
A. I
MPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES  
Outline of system  
 1. The import of dutiable commoditi es (tobacco, liquors, methyl al cohol and hydrocarbon oil) are 
controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of removal permits.  An importer has to be 
licensed with the Customs and Excise Department before he can apply for removal permit for import and removal of dutiable commodities. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Removal permit is issued to licensed importers  by Customs and Excise Department to control 
the import and movement of dutiable commodities. 3. The system applies to dutiable commoditi es coming from all pla ces outside HKSAR. 
 
4. The import licensing system is neither intended to restrict the quantity nor the value of import, but to protect and collect the ex cise duty imposed on the dutiable co mmodities.  The existing licensing 
system is deemed satisfactory and no al ternative method has been considered. 
 
5. The licence and permit requ irement is statutory under the Du tiable Commodities Ordinance, 
Cap. 109.  Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is re quired should there be any changes in the existing 
system. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) Application for removal perm it from a licensed importer should be submitted in advance of 
importation taking account of the processing time.  For an importe r to be licensed, the normal 
application processing time is not more than 12 working days.  For the issue of a removal 
permit to a licensed importer, it  would require half a working day, provided that full details are 
given by the applicants. 
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on reque st because of the time required to process the 
application. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time  during the year on the application for licence and/or importation. 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 15 
 
 
 (d) The import licences and removal permits are issued by the Customs and Excise Department 
only.  It is not necessary for the applications to  be passed on to other departments or organs for 
visa, note or approval.  The importer is only required to apply for the import licence and 
removal permit from the Customs and Excise Department.  For the removal permit application, 
applicants have to submit the application us ing a recognized electronic service provided by 
either Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited or Global e-Trading Services Limited, the 
electronic service provider specified under  the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.  
 
8. Application for an importer to be licensed w ill normally be approved provided that the ordinary 
criteria are met.  In case an application is refuse d, the reason for the refusal will be given to the 
applicant.  An applicant has the right to appeal to  the Administrative Appeals Board against the decision 
of refusal to grant an import licence or a removal permit by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons are eligible to apply to be licensed by the Customs and 
Excise Department.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. For an importer to be licensed, informati on including particulars of the applicant and the 
proposed licensed premises has to be provided.  Fo r the application of a re moval permit, commercial 
documents relating to the dutiable commodities may be  required.  Samples of licence application form 
and licence are respectively at Annexes XII
10 and XIII .  
 
11. A removal permit is required upon actual importa tion of the dutiable comm odities. In relation to 
import of liquors, a certifi cate of age may be required. 
 12. The administrative charge for an import li cence is HK$950 for each year. The issue of the 
removal permit is free of charge by Customs and Excise Department and a service charge of permit 
application by the specified electr onic service provider is required. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The import licence for dutiable commodities is  valid for one year which can be renewed upon 
application on a yearly basis. 
 
15. No.  
16. Not transferable between importers. 
 
17. No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
19. No foreign exchange control. 
                                                     
 
10 The application form can be downloaded from : http://www.customs.gov.hk/eng/form_e.html (English 
version). G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 16 
 
 
  
B. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED CHEMICALS (FOR SUBSTANCES LISTED IN 
SCHEDULES 1 AND 2 OF THE CONTROL OF CHEMICALS ORDINANCE , CHAPTER  145  ONLY ) 
Outline of system  
 
1. The import of controlled chem icals is controlled through (i) li censing of importers and (ii) 
issuing of import authorization.  An importer ha s to be licensed with the Customs and Excise 
Department before he can apply for an import authorization to import the controlled chemicals for each consignment. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import authorization is issued to licensed importers by Customs and Excise Department to 
regulate the import of controlled chemicals.  
3. The system applies to controlled chemicals coming from any places outside HKSAR. 
 4. The import licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity nor the value of import, but 
to prevent diversion of controlled chemicals into il licit manufacture of narcot ic drugs and psychotropic 
substances.  It is deemed satisfactory a nd no alternative method has been considered. 
 
5. The licence requirement is statutory under th e Control of Chemicals Ordinance, Cap. 145.  
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjec ted to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Legislative approval is required should there be any changes in the existing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) Application for licences and import authorization should be su bmitted in advance of importation 
taking into account the processing time.  For an importer to be licensed, the normal processing 
time would be 14 days.  The licensed import er has to submit an Import Authorization 
Application and supporting documents at least 4 wo rking days before the actual importation of 
controlled chemicals. 
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on reque st because of the time required to process the 
application. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time  during the year on the application for licence and/or importation. 
 (d) The licences and import authorizations are issued  by the Customs and Excise Department.  It is 
not necessary for the applications to be passed on to other departments or organs for visa, note 
or approval.  The importer is onl y required to apply for a licence and an import authorization for 
imports of controlled chemicals from the Customs and Excise Department. 
 8. Licences will normally be granted to establ ished companies, hospit als and educational or 
scientific organizations on application.   In case an application is refused, the reason for the refusal will 
be given to the applicant.  An applicant has right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board against 
the decision of refusal to grant a licence by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. 
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 17 
 
 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All importers may apply for an import licen ce under the Control of Chemicals Ordinance, 
Cap. 145. 
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence  
 
10. An applicant for a licence is  required to provide the Custom s and Excise Department with 
information about his personal a nd company particulars, business  address and storage place for 
controlled chemicals, etc. in his a pplication.  For the application of an  import authorizat ion, commercial 
documents relating to the import of controlled chemic als have to be provided.  Samples of application 
forms for licence and import au thorization are at Annexes XIV11 and XV11 respectively.  Application 
through electronic means is also  available and acceptable.  
 11. The import authorization is the only docum ent required under the Control of Chemicals 
Ordinance, Cap. 145 upon actual importation.  Fo r the import of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, 
ergometrine, ergotamine and norephedrine,  import licences issued by th e Department of Health under 
the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap.60 are also required. 
 
12. The administrative charge for a licence is HK$790 for each year and an import authorization is 
free of charge. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The licence is valid for one year which ca n be renewed upon applicat ion on yearly basis. 
 15. No penalty for non-utilization.  Licensee s hould however surrender hi s licence and/or import 
authorization for amendment or cancellation where appropriate. 
 16. Not transferable between importers. 
 
17. No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
C. I
MPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL DI SC MASTERING AND REPLICATION EQUIPMENT  
Outline of system  
 
1. The import of optical disc mastering and rep lication equipment is controlled through the 
issuing of import licence for each consignment of these two types of equipment. 
 
                                                      
11 The application forms can be downloaded fr om the webpage specified  under footnote 10. 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 18 
 
 
 Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The system applies to the import of optical disc masteri ng and replication equipment. 
 
3. The system applies to optical disc masteri ng and replication equipment coming from any places 
outside HKSAR. 
 
4. The import licensing system is not intended to re strict the quantity or th e value of import, but to 
enforce a robust intellectual property rights regime  in HKSAR and to prevent the use of optical disc 
mastering and replication equipment for copyright infringing activities.  
 5. The licence requirement is statutory under the Im port and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60.  It is not 
possible for the government to abolish th e system without legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) Application for a licence should be made in  advance of importation taking into account the 
processing time by the licence office.  The is sue of an import licence under normal circumstances 
requires two working days. 
 
(b) A licence cannot be gr anted immediat ely upon request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time during the year where applic ation for licence and/or importation 
can be made. 
 
(d) Consideration of licence application is on ly effected by a single administrative organ. 
 
8. Application for a licence will be approved provide d the ordinary criteria are met.  In the case an 
application is refused, the reasons for the refusal will be given to the applicant.  Applicant may appeal to 
the Chief Executive of HKSAR against a decision of refusal for issuing a licence. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for the licence. 
 Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10. An applicant for a licence is  required to provide the Custom s and Excise Department with 
particulars of the applicant or his company and the arrival details, etc. in the application.  Related 
supporting documents have to be provided.  Samp le of the application form is at Annex VIII12.  
 
11. No document other than the import licence. 
 12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required.  
                                                     
 
12 The sample form can be viewed from:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 19 
 
 
 Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The licence is valid only for six months from th e date of issue.  It may cover partial shipments 
within the six-month period. Extension of va lidity may also be gr anted on application. 
 
15. No. 
 
16. Not transferable.  
17. No other conditions attached to the issue of a licence. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
III. CIVIL ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 
A. I
MPORT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SAND  
Outline of system  
 
1. A permit to transport sand in HKSAR is require d under the Sand Ordinance.  The permit system 
is to protect the beaches and seabed in HKSAR.  Permits are issued by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Permits issued by CEDD are required fo r the importation of sand in excess of 100 kg. 
 
3. The system applies to natural sand imported  from all places.  Processed sand and washed sand 
are not covered by the Ordinance.  
4. The permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports but to provide a 
mechanism to enable the protection of beaches and seabed in HKSAR.  
5. The permit system is statutorily required unde r Section 3 of the Sand Ordinance, Cap. 147.  
Any changes to the permit system will require legislative approval.  
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Permits to import sand are issued upon writte n application.  Permit application should be 
submitted in advance of importation taking into account the processing time which takes not 
more than two working days. 
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a permit can be granted immediately upon written request. 
 (c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which permit applications may be 
made. 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 20 
 
 
 (d) CEDD is the sole administrative organ regard ing the processing and approval of application 
for importation of sand. 
 8. Applications for a permit will not  be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  Reasons for refusal 
will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons or import companies are eligib le to apply for sand permits.  There is no 
registration fee.  There is no published list of authorized importers. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Information required relates to source, quan tity and destination, and documents issued by 
relevant Authority certifying the vessels or vehicles used for the exportation of sands.  Sample of the 
application form for a Permit to Remove and Tran sport Sand in Hong Kong and the New Territories 
and a sample of the Permit are at Annexes XVI13 and XVII .  
 
11. Proof of valid vehicular or vessel licence. 
 12. No fees are charged for sand permits. 
 
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. Permits are valid for a maximum of  six months.  This period can be extended upon application.  
A new permit will be issued. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a permit. 
 16. Permits are issued for a particular vehicle or vessel which could be used  by different importers. 
 
17. There are no other conditions attach ed to the issuance of a permit. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. Mainland China river trade cargo vessels e ngaging in importation of sand from mainland China 
are required to be registered th rough a local shipping agent with Harbour Control Section of the 
Immigration Department prior to importation. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
                                                     
 
13 The application form can be downloaded from:  http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/forms/doc/FM-SP-01_E_.pdf  
(English version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 21 
 
 
 IV. AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT 
A. IMPORT CONTROL ON PLANTS , PLANT PESTS AND SOIL  
Outline of system  
 
1. Import licences, supported by phytosanitary cer tificates, are required for import of plants.  
Prior authorizations are required for import of plant pest or soil. 
 
 Plant quarantine requirements are framed under the Plant (Importation and Pest Control) 
Ordinance, Cap. 207 administered by the Agricult ure, Fisheries and Conservation Department.  All 
principles and procedures are based on the Plant Pr otection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific Region 
and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. For import of plants, a Plant Import licence (PIL) issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and 
Conservation Department is  required.  "Plant" includes timber, tr ees, 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. 
  For import of plant pests or so il, an authorization in writing (A IW) issued by the Director of 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservati on is required.  "Plant pest" means any bacterium, fungus, virus, 
mycoplasma, alga or other plant or any invertebrate  animal which is capabl e of being injurious or 
destructive to plants.  "Soil" incl udes earth, sand, clay and peat. 
 
3. PIL and AIW apply to plants originating in and coming from all places outside HKSAR.  The 
only exception is the exemption of PIL for plants imported from mainland China. 
 4. Neither PIL nor AIW is intended to restrict the qu antity or value of imports .  The sole purpose is 
to establish an effective means for plant quarantine to  prevent the spread of plant pest in compliance 
with the recommendations of the Plant Protection Ag reement for the Asia and Pacific Region and the 
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). 
 
5. PIL and AIW are statutory instruments under the Plant (I mportation and Pest Control) 
Ordinance, Cap. 207.  Legislation does not leave desi gnation of plant to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  It is not possible fo r the Government of HKSA R to abolish the system 
without legislative approval.  
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Application for PIL or AIW should be submitted  in advance of importation.  It should be taken 
into account that processing of applic ations takes two clear working days. 
 (b) PIL, but not AIW, can be granted immediatel y on request when there is a genuine need under 
exceptional cases. 
 (c) There are no limitations as to the period of  the year during which application for importation 
can be made. 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 22 
 
 
 (d) Both PIL and AIW are administered by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation 
Department.  No other administrative body is involved. 
 8. Application of PIL and AIW will not be refused if  the ordinary criteria are met.  The reasons for 
any refusal are always given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chief Executive of the 
HKSAR by notice in writing within 14 days from th e date when he was informed of the decision. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions are el igible to apply for PIL and AIW without any 
pre-conditional requirement.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. The required information is outlined in the sample application form for PIL at Annex XVIII
14.  
An additional requirement for AIW is a wr itten justification for the importation.  
 11. Upon actual importati on, all First Schedule (Part I) plants and Gossypium  spp. must be 
accompanied by a PIL, a valid phytosanitary certific ate (PSC) and certificate of fumigation/disinfection 
(CF/D) issued by the exporting country or else the consignment will be seized for destruction.  For all 
other plants, only PIL and PSC are required. 
 
 Actual importation of a plant pest or soil requires AIW and other documents, usually PSC and 
CF/D stated on the AIW as special conditions for the authorization. 
 
12. No fee is charged for PIL and AIW. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment required.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity for both PIL and AIW is two months. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of PIL or AIW.  
16. Neither PIL nor AIW is transferable. 
 17.(a) Not applicable. 
 
(b) There may be special quarantin e requirements attached to the PI L and AIW.  The conditions are 
based on the principles and procedures recommen ded by the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection 
Commission and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. Not applicable.  
                                                     
 
14 The application form can be downloaded from: 
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/pprd/pla nt/form_leaflet/download/pprd11003e.pdf  (English version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 23 
 
 
 B. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR ENDANGE RED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of system  
 1. Import licences are required for import of enda ngered species of animals and plants, whether 
alive, dead, stuffed specimen, parts or derivatives.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Import licences issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department are required 
for the import of animals and plan ts listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices I and II (inc luding their readily recognizable 
parts and derivatives), an d medicines containing or claiming to  contain ingredients made from highly 
endangered animal species.  Import licences ar e not required for the import of CITES Appendix III 
species and plants that are artifici ally propagated, subject to the produc tion of a valid export licence or 
certificate of origin. 
 
3. The import licensing requirement  applies to traders as well as individuals importing these items 
from all territories. 
 
4. The import licensing system is not used to rest rict the quantity or value of imports, but to protect 
endangered species and to prevent them from over-exploitation in accordance with CITES. 
 
5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Chapter 187 of the 
Laws of Hong Kong which gives effect to CITES.  Legislation does not leave designation of the items to 
be subjected to licensing to admi nistrative discretion.  Any changes require legislative approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Application for impor t licences should be submitted in advance of importation (at least two 
working days or more depending on complexity).   However, the issue of a licence is not 
automatic and shipments should not  be effected unless and until the licence has been issued. 
 (b) Normally an import licence cannot be granted immediately upon request. 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of th e year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made. 
 
(d) Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is the sole authority in considering 
endangered species aspects but all applications  for import licences have to be supported by 
CITES export permits issued by  the exporting economies.   
 
 Moreover, the CITES Secretaria t or CITES authority of exporting economies may have to be 
consulted in cert ain applications. 
 
8. Licensing policy follows closely the provisions  and spirit of CITES.  Any applicant aggrieved 
by a decision of the Director relating to the issue,  refusal or cancellation of a licence or any condition 
specified in a licence may appeal by way of petition to the Chief Executive. 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 24 
 
 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Any person can submit an application.  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. The required information is su mmarized in the sample application form attached at Annex 
XIX15.  With respect to live specimens, controls of and requirements for import of live animals and 
plants also apply.  
 
11. Import licence issued by the Agriculture, Fi sheries and Conservation De partment together with 
original of the CITES Export Permit issued by the exporting economy are required upon actual 
importation. 
 12. The licence fees are as follows: 
 
(a) Import Licence for live animals (per species)  HK$420 (b) Import Licence for animals/plant parts (per species) HK$140 
 
13. No.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The Import Licences are normally valid for six months or less.  The validity of a licence can be 
extended provided that the licensee submits an application and gives satisfactory justification to the 
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation before its expiry. 
 
15. No.  
16. Not transferable. 
 17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No. 
 19. Not applicable. 
                                                     
 
15 The application form can be downloaded from:  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/conservation/online_ref/af243e.pdf  
(English version) .  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 25 
 
 
 C. IMPORT CONTROL ON LIVE ANIMALS  
Outline of system  
 1. A special permit is required for all live anim als and birds imported into HKSAR.  The permit 
must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before 
animals/birds are sent to HKSAR.  The terms and conditions of the permit must be fully complied with.  
Such animals or birds must be sent into HKSAR as manifest cargo.   
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. A special permit issued by  the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is 
required for the import of animals or birds. 
 
3. The system generally applies to any person bri nging any animal or bird into HKSAR from all 
countries.  For non-CITES animals or  birds imported directly from mainland China other rules may 
apply. 
 4. The special permit is not used to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to protect public 
and animal health; to provide for public safety and an imal welfare; and to prev ent cruelty to animals. 
 5. The special permit system is a statutory re quirement under Chapter 139 and/or Chapter 421 with 
linkage to Chapter 169 of the Laws of Hong Kong.  Legislation does not  leave designation of the items 
to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  Any ch anges require legi slative approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Application for a special pe rmit should be submitted well in advance of importation (at least 
five working days).  However, the granting of a special permit is not automatic and importation 
must not be arranged unless a permit is obtained in advance.  The applic ant may, after receiving 
a permit, need some time to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit, and should 
allow for this. 
  (b) Depending on circumstances a special permit may be granted, subject to the payment of the 
prescribed fee. 
 (c) There are no limitations as to the period of th e year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made. 
 (d) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Depa rtment has the sole authority to grant special 
permits, and the permits ar e subject to full compli ance with requirements. 
 
8. Applications may be rejected or refused if  requirements cannot be me t.  The applicant may 
appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Any person may submit an application. 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 26 
 
 
 Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence  
 
10. The required information is summarized in the sample application form at Annex XX16. 
 
11. The special permit and other documents spec ified by terms/conditions of the permit, and 
documents required under any other legislation. 
 
12. The current fee schedule for special permits is at Annex XXI17.  
 
13. Fee must be paid upon application. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. Permits are valid for six months.  The validity of import permits may be extended for a month 
upon application at a fee of HK$140. 
 
15. No.  
16. Permits can be transferable  between importers upon applicati on and the payment of amendment 
fee HK$140.  
17. Yes, varying according to the type of animal and country of origin. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
D. I
MPORT CONTROL ON PESTICIDES  
Outline of system  
 
1. Licences are required for import of pesticides.  Import licences for pesticides (other than 
methyl bromide) are issued by the Agriculture, Fi sheries and Conservation De partment under delegation 
from the Trade and Industry Departme nt.  Import licences for pesticides  containing methyl bromide, an 
ozone-depleting substance, are issued by the Trade and Industry Department. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licensing of pesticides  is intended for the protection of  public health.  Pesticides means 
any insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, acaricide or any substance (whether or ganic or inorganic) or 
mixture of substances used or intended to be used  for preventing, destroying, repelling, attracting, 
inhibiting or controlling any insect, rodent, bird, ne matode, bacterium, fungus, weed or other form of 
plant or animal life or any virus, which is a pest; or any substance or mixtur e of substances used or 
intended to be used as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant, but does not include any purely 
mechanical device for trapping or catching insects, ro dents or other animals; any purely electromagnetic 
                                                      
16 The application form can be downloaded from:  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/lsk/download/af240.pdf  
(English version). 
17 The fee schedule can be viewed from:  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/lsk/import/spfee.pdf  (English 
version).  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 27 
 
 
 or ultrasonic device for the control of mosquitoes, rodents or ot her pests; any anti septic, di sinfecting 
solution or preparation in clin ical or sanitary applications ; and any pharmaceutical product. 
 3. The system applies to products (other than  methyl bromide) coming from any places.  For 
methyl bromide which is an ozone-depleting subs tance, import from non-parties to the Montreal 
Protocol are banned.  Only imports from Montreal Protocol signatories of me thyl bromide are allowed 
for local consumption starting from 1 January 1995.  Th e import of methyl bromide is restricted to 
quarantine and pre-shipment applications.  
4. The principal objective of the import licensing syst em is not to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports but for purposes of protecting public health.  
5. The import control is a statutory requirement maintained under the Pestic ides Ordinance, Cap. 
133 and the Import and Export (Gener al) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60 under the 
Laws of Hong Kong.  Legislation does not leave designation of product to  be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discreti on.  Any changes such as subjecting a ne w product to import li censing or removal 
of an existing product therefrom require legislative approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Application for import lice nces should be submitted in ad vance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  The processing time is one clear working day for pesticides other 
than methyl bromide under normal circumstances and two clear working days for methyl 
bromide.  
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which licence applications may be 
made. 
 
(d) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation De partment is the sole administrative organ for 
the processing and approval of pesticides im port licences (other than methyl bromide) 
whereas an importer has to approach the Tr ade and Industry Department for the processing 
and approval of import licences for methyl bromide.  
  8. Under normal circumstances, an application for a pesticides import lice nce is usually approved 
if it meets the ordinary criteria.  In the event of refusal, the reasons will be given.  Applicants may 
appeal to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR in the ev ent of refusal to issue an import licence.  The 
Chief Executive may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Director-General of Trade and 
Industry.  The right to appeal to the Chief Execu tive is statutorily provided.  For methyl bromide, 
applicants may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board against decision of refusal to grant a licence 
relating to ozone depleting s ubstances by the Director of  Environmental Protection.  
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. A company is required to hold an appropriate pe sticide licence/permit issued by the Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Conservation Departme nt before it can apply for an import licence except where the 
pesticide is being importe d on a valid through bill of lading.  If  imported on such a bill of lading, no 
pesticide licence/permit is required.  Application for a pesticide licence/permit is open to all business 
enterprises wishing to deal in pesticides.  A fee is charged for the licence/permit, which may range from 
HK$520 to HK$1,435 depending on the type of licen ce/permit.  There is  no published list of G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 28 
 
 
 licensed/permitted importers.  For methyl bromide which is also an ozone depleting substance, a 
company is further required to register with the Trade and Industry Department  before it can apply for 
an import licence.  Registration is open to all co mpanies on payment of a fee of HK$2,805 (valid for 2 
calendar years).  A list of registered importers is available upon request. 
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence  
 
10. Information to be supplied in cludes particulars of the import er, of the importation, of the 
products to be imported and a pesticid es licence or pesticides permit issu ed by the Agriculture, Fisheries 
and Conservation Department authorizing the importer to  trade in pesticides or a valid through bill of 
lading.  Sample of Import Licence Form 3 is at Annex VIII18.   
 
11. The import licence is the only document required by the Government of HKSAR on actual 
importation.  
12. Apart from applications for importing methyl br omide, no licensing fee is required for import 
licence applications.  The price of non-textiles import licence forms is HK$26 per pad (containing 20 sets).  For methyl bromide, a fee of HK$940 is char ged on the issue of an ozone-depleting substances 
import licence.  The price of ozone-depleting substances import licence forms is HK$28 per pad 
(containing five sets).  
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. A pesticides import licence is valid for six m onths.  The period of validity can be extended by 
the Director-General of Trade and Industry depend ing on the merits of individual requests.  For 
methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substances im port licence is, unless otherwise stated, valid for 
sixty days. 
 
15. No.  Importers should however cancel or amend the licences.  
16. Not transferable. 
 17. The licensing conditions are printed on the fr ont or back of the im port licences (samples of 
the Import Licence Form 3 applicable to pestic ides and Import Licence Form for ozone-depleting 
substances are respectively at Annexes VIII
18 and X18. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 18. No. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
V. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT 
A. I
MPORT CONTROL ON WASTE  
Outline of system  
 
                                                      
18 Samples of these forms can be viewed from:  
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 29 
 
 
 1. The import of waste into HKSA R is controlled under a permit  system administered by the 
Environmental Protection Department.  Its requirement s are tied in with those of the Basel Convention 
on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. A permit is required for import of any waste, unless  the waste is specified in Schedule 6 of the 
Waste Disposal Ordinance, and it is uncontaminated and is intended for recycling or reuse purposes. 
 
3. The permit system applies to wastes orig inating in and coming from any places outside 
HKSAR.  
4. Other than those requirements of the Basel Conven tion, the system is not intended to restrict the 
quantity or value of imports.  It serves to ensure th at prior consents among the export, import and transit 
competent authorities concerned are obtained be fore commencement of any waste shipment.  It 
facilitates the continuation of legitimate waste trad e and to stop any illegal shipment.  The system 
enables HKSAR to fulfil it s international obligations under the Base l Convention and serves to ensure 
environmentally sound management  of waste in the HKSAR. 
 
5. The waste import permit system  is a statutory requirement main tained under the Waste Disposal 
Ordinance, Cap. 354 of the Laws of Hong Kong.  Th e legislation does not leav e designation of waste to 
be subjected to control to administ rative discretion.  Legislative approva l is required should there be any 
change in the existing system. 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Permit applications should be  submitted in advance of the im portation.  The pr ocessing time for 
an application varies from case  to case, depending primarily on the time taken by the competent 
authorities of the exporting econo mies concerned to provide feed back for the application, and 
on whether the application form is duly co mpleted and submitted with all the required 
supporting documents.  To allow for sufficient time for the competent authorities to make 
responses, it is advisable for the a pplicants to submit their applica tions at least 90 days before 
the commencement of the proposed shipment of waste. 
 
(b) No.  Under the Basel Convention, consents fro m all export and transit economies concerned are 
required prior to any waste shipment. We are un able to issue any permit without obtaining the 
views from the export and tran sit economies concerned. 
 (c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which permit application may be 
made. 
 
(d) The Environmental Protection Department is th e sole administrative organ responsible for the 
processing and approval of waste import permit. 
 
8. A waste import permit will nor mally be granted with or without  conditions to the applicant if 
the ordinary criteria as stipulated in the Waste Disposal Ordinance are met (e.g. the proposed waste shipment is in line with the spirit and requirements of  the Basel Convention).  In the event of refusal to 
issue a permit, the reasons will be given, and the applicant may appeal to the Appeal Board established 
under the Waste Disposal Ordinance.  In any case, it should be noted that to tie in with the latest 
requirements of the Basel Convention, import of hazardous waste from developed ec onomies including 
Liechtenstein and member  states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 30 
 
 
 (OECD) and the European Communities (EC)  into the HKSAR has been banned since 
28 December 1998. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All firms and institutions are eligible to a pply for a waste import permit.  Nevertheless, the 
applicant should normally be the disposer or the impo rter of the waste.  There is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 10. The required information is outlined in the sample permit application at Annex XXII
19. 
 
11. On actual importation, the waste should be  accompanied by the permit, a waste movement 
document recording the details of the waste shipme nt, and a liability insura nce covering any claims 
arising out of damage to human health, property and the environment which may result from the waste 
import operation.  
 
12. An application fee of HK$11,595 or HK$18,430 wi ll be charged for the application of a single 
shipment or a multiple-shipment permit respectively.   A multiple-shipment permit can have a validity 
period of up to one year for repeated shipments of th e same type of waste from the same source and to 
the same disposer or recycler. 
 13. The applicant is required to de posit a bond or financial guarantee  payable to the Government of 
the HKSAR. The amount of the bond or financia l guarantee required w ill be determined on a 
case-by-case basis.  It enables the waste disposal auth ority to recover cost of an y seizure or disposal or 
alternative environmentally sound management of wast e in case the intended waste shipment could not 
be completed as originally intended.  The bond or guarantee will be return ed to the applicant upon 
fulfilment and completion of all conditions of the shipment, including the final disposal/recycling of the 
waste. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. There are two types of permit, namely singl e-shipment permit and multiple-shipment permit.  
The former type is valid for one shipment only, a nd whereas the latter type can have a validity period 
of up to one year for repeated shipments of the sa me type of waste from the same source and to the 
same disposer or recycler.  The validity of a perm it cannot be extended.  A new application has to be 
submitted if the importing activity is to be c ontinued after the validity period of the permit. 
 
15. No.  
16. Not transferable. 
 
17. Yes, conditions are varied according to the type  of wastes and country of origin. One essential 
condition is the taking back of the imported wastes if the wastes were found other than the permitted 
ones (i.e. specified in the permit) or if the wastes ca nnot be treated/recycled as intended and stranded in 
Hong Kong for whatever reasons, the wastes sh all be returned to the place of origin. 
  
 
                                                     
 
19 The application form can be downloaded from: 
http://www.epd.g ov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/wast e/guide_ref/guide_wiec_tcs3_3.html  (English version)  G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
 Page 31 
 
 
 Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No.  
19. Not applicable. 
 VI. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE DEPARTMENT 
A. I
MPORT CONTROL ON FROZEN OR CHILLED MEAT AND POULTRY  
Outline of system  
 
1. Licences are required for import of frozen or  chilled meat and poultry.  Import licences are 
issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department under delegation from the Trade and 
Industry Department.  
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers the importation of frozen or chille d meat and poultry.  The meat 
includes beef, mutton, pork, veal or lamb, and th e offal of any animal from which such meat is 
derived.  The poultry includes the carcass of a domestic  fowl, duck, goose or tu rkey or any part of 
such a carcass, and any part of a bird mentioned abov e which is edible or used  in the preparation of 
food. 
 
3. The system applies to products coming from any places. 
 
4. The principal objective of the import licensing syst em is not to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports, but for public health and food safety. 
 
5. The import licensing system is a statutory requi rement maintained under the Import and Export 
(General) Regulations, Import and Export Ordinanc e, Cap. 60.  The legi slation does not leave 
designation of product to be subjected to licensing to administrative  discretion.  Any changes such as 
subjecting a new product to import licensing or re moval of an existing product therefrom require 
legislative approval. 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Application for import licences should be s ubmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  The issue of an import licence under normal circumstances 
requires one working day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, dates of submission and issuing). 
 
(b) In exceptional cases, a licence can be granted immediately on request. 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which licence applications may be 
made. 
 
(d) The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is the sole administrative organ 
responsible for the processing and approval of meat and poultry import licences. 
 G/LIC/N/3/HKG/9 
Page 32 
 
 
 8. Application for a licence will be approved provided the ordinary criteria are met.  In case an 
application is refused, the reason for the refusal will be given to the applicant.  Applicants may appeal 
to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR against a decision of refusal for issuing a licence. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. A company is required to be registered with the Food and Environmental Hygiene 
Department first before it can apply for an import licence.  Registration is open to all business 
enterprises.  At present no fee is charged for the registration.   
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence  
 
10.  Information to be supplied includes particulars of the importer, of the importation and of the 
products to be imported.  Health certificate is sued by the recognized authority of the exporting 
economy concerned or specific approval from the Di rector of Food and Environmental Hygiene is 
required to support licence applications.  Sample  of Import Licence Form 3 is at Annex VIII20. 
 11. The import licence is the only document required by the Government of HKSAR on actual 
importation. 
 12. No licensing fee is required for import licence applications.  The price of non-textiles import 
licence forms is HK$26 per pad (containing 20 sets). 
 13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An import licence is valid for six weeks.  The period of validity cannot be extended.  The 
licence applicant should request cancellation of the expired licence and may apply for a new licence. 
 
15. No.  Importers should however cancel or amend the licences.  
16. Not transferable. 
 17. Apart from the licensing conditions prin ted on the import licence at Annex VIII
 the 
conditions set out at Annex XXIII  are applicable to frozen or ch illed meat and poultry which are not 
subject to quantitative restriction.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
__________ 
 
                                                     
 
20 Sample of the form can be viewed from:   
http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/sampleform/forms_maincontent.html  (English version)