To strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global super-connector and promote a business-friendly environment, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department is actively pushing forward a slew of innovative trade facilitation measures designed to streamline Customs clearance procedures as well as protect consumers, revenue and intellectual property rights.
Louise Ho, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, provided a detailed update on the various measures during a presentation at the Shipping & Transport Committee meeting on 6 July. From unifying trade document submission to leveraging technology for seamless cargo processing, the initiatives demonstrate Hong Kong’s commitment to cement its position as a leading global trade hub.
Authorized Economic Operator
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme offers prioritized Customs clearance and reduced inspection for trusted trade partners. With 13 signatories – including the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia – it aims to expand its network to other ASEAN countries, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Belt and Road Initiative economies.
Single E-lock Scheme
An award-winning innovation, Single E-lock Scheme employs GPS and accredited e-lock for real-time monitoring by Hong Kong and the Mainland Customs administrations. It provides seamless cross-boundary Customs clearance facilitation for intermodal transhipment cargoes/postal items among clearance points in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Currently, it covers a total of 76 clearance points: 60 in Guangdong Province, 3 in Hunan Province, and 13 in Hong Kong, providing the logistics industry with over 800 cross-boundary routes.
FTA Scheme
Another important arrangement that consolidates Hong Kong's position as a logistics centre is the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (FTA Scheme). As the Mainland has been proactive in establishing FTAs with different countries and regions, this scheme facilitates goods passing through Hong Kong to enjoy stipulated tariff concessions. Customs supervision services and Certificate of Non-manipulation are provided to certify that relevant cargoes have not undergone any further processing during their stay in Hong Kong. This echoes the national development strategy and streamlines trade with 66 economies, including all ASEAN countries.
Trade Single Window
In terms of facilitating trade efficiency, the Trade Single Window (TSW) allows traders to submit trade documents for trade declaration and Customs cargo clearance through a one-stop electronic platform. Simplifying document submission workflows, between Government departments and trade, it has been well received by the industry.
Phase 1 was launched in December 2018 covering 14 types of trade documents, and is now in full service. Phase 2, covering another 28 types of trade documents, is being rolled out progressively across four batches (Phase 2A to 2D). Phase 2A was launched on 15 May this year, and covers 14 types of trade documents. Phase 3 is the final and most complex phase of the TSW, covering a huge volume of trade documents related to import and export declaration, cargo information and permits. The Government is targeting the roll out of Phase 3 services by batch from early 2026, and expects to fully implement the TSW by 2027.
Sea-Air Transhipment Cargo Pilot Scheme
As the Government is increasingly looking to reinforce intermodal transport and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a logistics hub in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Airport Authority has operated the Sea-Air Transhipment Cargo Pilot Scheme.
Cargo security screening, palletization and airline acceptance for the export cargoes of the GBA can be completed upstream in compliance with the Hong Kong’s air cargo regulations at the Dongguan Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Logistics Park, and transhipped to HKIA by vessel for direct uplift to overseas destinations and vice versa for overseas cargoes transhipping to the Mainland.
With the application of the brand-new electronic monitoring system for close-loop monitoring of cargoes, Hong Kong Customs provides one-stop clearance facilitation, whereby import and export clearance of the cargoes transhipped under the scheme will be handled in one go at HKIA. It serves the market with greater time efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while enhancing connectivity and collaboration among GBA cities.
Air-Land Fresh Lane
Last but not least, the Air-Land Fresh Lane initiative establishes a “Green Channel” for fresh products between overseas markets and the GBA, utilizing Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Through streamlining Customs clearance and simplifying quarantine arrangements, it facilitates the efficient cross-boundary movement of high-end fresh products, promoting better integration of global trade and commerce in the GBA.