Introduction To Import Regulations In Hong Kong
Though only hydrocarbon oil, tobacco, and alcohol are subject to customs taxes in Hong Kong, this does not imply that importing goods is an easy process. Prior to the shipment of the products, obtaining an import license is essential, and it can only be achieved by following proper procedures. It’s not in the nature of the officials of customs to put up with any omissions or shortcuts in the required procedures.
Here, we will guide you through the import procedure of goods relating to Medical Supplies and IT, i.e., Information Technology in Hong Kong, plus the significance of (PSI), i.e., Pre-shipment inspection. If, after a thorough reading, you find that procedure a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. You have an alternative of hiring an IOR service too. IOR, i.e., importer of record service, provides you with importer solutions that will give you absolute peace of mind while enjoying your business of import of goods into Hong Kong.
Pre-Approval
The Import and Export Ordinance of Hong Kong regulates licenses for importation, exportation, transshipment, and strategic goods transit. The approval of the (TID), i.e., the Trade and Industry Department, must be obtained before the import of the majority of dual-use medical or IT products.
TID CCAT, i.e., Commodity Classification Automated Tracking number
CCAT certification, issued by Hong Kong Trade and Industries, is needed for goods containing encryption. The goods’ manufacturer is responsible for obtaining CCAT after going through test procedures and submitting technical documents. Only then the classification and registration of goods become possible.
There are two key aspects in TID’s process while reviewing an application for a license:
- A technical evaluation procedure establishes the technical capabilities of the product in question and whether or not it’s controlled and why. We must submit datasheets describing the controlled items to accomplish this.
- A procedure for evaluating risks that takes into account both the intended use and the potential for misuse or proliferation.
The manufacturer receives a Hong Kong Trade and Industries Pre-classification Number after completing this process.
TID Licence
Before import, importers must get a TID license, which requires the following:
Upon request, the CCATs tracking number is required. If the products were exported from the United Kingdom or the European Union, a copy of the export license is required. Fill out an SC037 form, a seven-page form that asks for specific details about the products, the maker, the importer, and the end customer. This form is only needed for products that have never been imported into Hong Kong or that haven’t been registered on the TID system.
A copy of the End-User Statement, which specifies the usage and destination of the items following import, should be provided upon request.
Only an importer listed on the TID system could process a license application.
Critical considerations for an importer are:
Being an importer/exporter, you must consider the following.
- What are you importing and exporting? Licenses are necessary for the importation and/or exportation of strategic commodities.
- Where are the products being exported/re-exported? Make sure the products aren’t going to any troublesome countries or locations.
- Who is going to receive the goods? Try to get some know-how about your customers so you can be sure you are exporting to an authorized and lawful end-customer.
- Why is the end customer buying the products? Make sure that the product’s technical potential is appropriate for the stated end-use.
To obtain an import or export license, completing these procedures is mandatory before the shipment of goods. Considering past events and situations, providing the necessary data and paperwork for the approval of a license is highly challenging.
Importation of goods into Hong Kong
The items can be exported and imported after the importer/exporter has been granted a TID license. According to the Hong Kong Trade of Industry protocols, when they evaluate the shipment after it has arrived, all information on the documents is checked. Additionally the actual shipment is examined to make sure the products exactly match what is listed on the shipping manifest and the previously submitted paper stored in the TID systems. If any issues are found, the importer will be notified, and the shipment will be kept until the customs inspectors are satisfied with the explanation.
Items for which an import license is not necessary
The process with the Hong Kong TID is unnecessary if the items are EAR99 or NLR, i.e., (No License Required). As long as there is an Importer of Record, they can be transported.
Importer of Record Service in Hong Kong – A Hassle-Free Way to Import
The importation of products successfully into Hong Kong greatly depends on the importer’s clear awareness of the laws there. To facilitate the import and export of commodities for clients who lack the resources (people, money, or time) needed to obtain these costly and time-wasting licenses and certifications, Importer Solutions determines legal exemptions that may be used.
The IOR service provider can use these exemptions in the overall import procedure. The importer of record service is the solution to all the problems associated with imports, and the same goes for exports.
For this reason, if there is any ambiguity about any rules governing importation into Hong Kong, you are more than welcome to inquire with us.
