Introduction
Hong Kong is a major port city and a hub for international trade with over 2,500 different types of commodities passing through it every day. If you are shipping goods to Hong Kong, then you will need to understand how the process works in order to avoid delays or fines at customs when your shipment arrives. In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about importing into Hong Kong including basic information about what kinds of goods can be imported, how they should be declared when arriving at the airport or seaport and whether they require an import licence or tariffs paid on them before clearing through customs.
Importing goods to Hong Kong is a complex process.
Importing goods to Hong Kong is a complex process. It is not the same as exporting goods, and it requires a lot of paperwork and time. To import goods successfully, you need to have a good understanding of the rules and regulations in place for importing goods into Hong Kong.
You must first work out if you need an import licence for your goods.
If you are importing goods to Hong Kong and they fall into one of the following categories, then an import licence is required:
- Goods that are being imported for commercial purposes. This includes items such as machinery and equipment.
- Goods that are being imported from countries that aren’t part of the WTO (World Trade Organization). This includes certain types of foodstuffs that can be dangerous if not handled properly.
- Materials which may be harmful to humans or animals such as lead paint or mercury thermometers.
You can find information about import licences, as well as the necessary forms, on the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website.
The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department also provides information about tariffs and other duties that apply to goods entering Hong Kong. This can help you determine if it’s worth paying an extra cost or not to get your goods into the country without paying any fees or taxes (which can sometimes be extremely high).
Your customs declaration form will include a column where you may include the relevant tariff code for the type of product that you are importing.
Tariff codes are used to classify goods for customs purposes. They are based on the Harmonized System (HS), an international system of tariff classification and analysis developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS is often referred to as “the” standard for classifying goods in international trade.
The tariff code consists of six digits that classify your imported goods according to their nature and function:
- First two digits – product type (e.g., 010 = vegetables)
- Third digit – material composition (e.g., 020 = fruit)
- Fourth and fifth digits – subheading within a chapter; these may be repeated if there are many subheadings under one chapter (e.g., 010201 would mean apples)
- Sixth digit – specific description within a subheading
Tariffs vary depending on what type of good it is and where it comes from; consult with your local authorities to understand which rates apply to your specific situation.
For example, if you import furniture from Thailand, the tariff will be set at 20% on top of the value of your goods. If a Chinese company exports their products to Hong Kong, they will only pay a 5% tariff on those same items.
If you do not include the correct information on your declaration form when you arrive in Hong Kong with goods that need an import licence or tariffs paid, then they won’t be cleared through customs and could be impounded while additional clearance procedures are carried out.
You can find information about import licences, as well as the necessary forms, on the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website.
The process of importing goods into Hong Kong is complex, so make sure that you understand all the rules before starting!
Importing goods into Hong Kong is a complex process, and there are many rules to follow. If you don’t understand the rules, your goods may be impounded.
You should take care to understand these regulations before starting any importation process.
