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Non-financial Assistance
Support and Consultation Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises (SUCCESS) under the Trade and Industry Department in collaboration with various industrial and trade organisations, professional bodies, private enterprises and other Government departments to provide SMEs with business information and consultation services free of charge.
"Meet-the-Advisors" Business Advisory Services (BAS) provided by SUCCESS that makes arrangements for SMEs encountering problems relating to the starting and running of a business to consult experts for their professional advice on 25 advisory areas, including setting up business, marketing, legal and accounting matters.
SME One under the Hong Kong Productivity Council strives to facilitate local SMEs and startups to sustain their businesses’ competitiveness by providing to startups and inventors various supports, timely assistance and comprehensive information on market insights, technology transformation and government funding schemes, through its Inno Space and InnoPreneur Network. Assistance provided includes Meet with New Faces, eClinics, Seminars/Workshops/Study Missions and O2O Platform to showcase Tech and Business Solutions.
SME Centre under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) offers a comprehensive business library, meeting areas, function rooms and business support services.
In association with various partner organisations, including industry organisations, chambers of commerce and Consulates in Hong Kong, the HKTDC provides a free business advisory service for SMEs to capitalise on trade-related business opportunities.
The HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) is a SME support programme that helps SMEs enhance business competitiveness and achieve transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing and supply chain solutions and new markets. Dedicated T-box staff will work with SMEs to identify goals and provide support over a three-month period, with group and individualised services, including advisory services, workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities. The programme is offered free of charge and is open to all companies registered in Hong Kong.
TecONE under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) provides detailed information on various funding schemes and indepth advisory services (in particular technology-related programmes under the funding schemes of HKSTP or the HKSAR Government), including professional guidance on the application of the funding schemes.
TecONE also offers business matching and business support services to partner companies and startups in Science Park, InnoCentre, and INNOPARKs.
A dedicated service team entitled SME ReachOut has commenced operation starting from 1 January 2020 to support SMEs through face-to-face meetings to help identify funding schemes that suit SMEs, while answering questions relating to applications. The goal is to enhance SME's understanding of the Government's funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government.
SME ReachOut has also published info-packs for different funding schemes under "Funding Schemes Grab and Go" section at its website to provide plain and easily comprehensible information and practical application tips to SMEs.
Support and Consultation Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises (SUCCESS) under the Trade and Industry Department in collaboration with various industrial and trade organisations, professional bodies, private enterprises and other Government departments to provide SMEs with business information and consultation services free of charge.
"Meet-the-Advisors" Business Advisory Services (BAS) provided by SUCCESS that makes arrangements for SMEs encountering problems relating to the starting and running of a business to consult experts for their professional advice on 25 advisory areas, including setting up business, marketing, legal and accounting matters.
SME One under the Hong Kong Productivity Council strives to facilitate local SMEs and startups to sustain their businesses’ competitiveness by providing to startups and inventors various supports, timely assistance and comprehensive information on market insights, technology transformation and government funding schemes, through its Inno Space and InnoPreneur Network. Assistance provided includes Meet with New Faces, eClinics, Seminars/Workshops/Study Missions and O2O Platform to showcase Tech and Business Solutions.
SME Centre under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) offers a comprehensive business library, meeting areas, function rooms and business support services.
In association with various partner organisations, including industry organisations, chambers of commerce and Consulates in Hong Kong, the HKTDC provides a free business advisory service for SMEs to capitalise on trade-related business opportunities.
The HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) is a SME support programme that helps SMEs enhance business competitiveness and achieve transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing and supply chain solutions and new markets. Dedicated T-box staff will work with SMEs to identify goals and provide support over a three-month period, with group and individualised services, including advisory services, workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities. The programme is offered free of charge and is open to all companies registered in Hong Kong.
TecONE under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) provides detailed information on various funding schemes and indepth advisory services (in particular technology-related programmes under the funding schemes of HKSTP or the HKSAR Government), including professional guidance on the application of the funding schemes.
TecONE also offers business matching and business support services to partner companies and startups in Science Park, InnoCentre, and INNOPARKs.
A dedicated service team entitled SME ReachOut has commenced operation starting from 1 January 2020 to support SMEs through face-to-face meetings to help identify funding schemes that suit SMEs, while answering questions relating to applications. The goal is to enhance SME's understanding of the Government's funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government.
SME ReachOut has also published info-packs for different funding schemes under "Funding Schemes Grab and Go" section at its website to provide plain and easily comprehensible information and practical application tips to SMEs.
The Government seeks to procure stores and services at the best value for money in a publicly accountable manner. Its procurement practices are underpinned by the principles of open and fair competition, transparency, pro-innovation and integrity. For details of Government procurement policy and procedures, please click here for the Government's procurement policy and procedures, services, application for inclusion in the Government's supplier lists and information on the published government tender.
The Government seeks to procure stores and services at the best value for money in a publicly accountable manner. Its procurement practices are underpinned by the principles of open and fair competition, transparency, pro-innovation and integrity. For details of Government procurement policy and procedures, please click here for the Government's procurement policy and procedures, services, application for inclusion in the Government's supplier lists and information on the published government tender.
Invest Hong Kong works with overseas and Mainland companies, including SMEs, entrepreneurs and startups that wish to set up an office or expand their existing business in Hong Kong. Invest Hong Kong offers free advice and services to support companies from the planning stage right through to the launch and expansion of their business.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) enforces the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) to uphold a fair and corruption-free society and safeguard the legitimate interests of different stakeholders. The POBO governs corruption in both the private and public sector. Click here to view the gist of the POBO.
Cross-boundary business operations may encounter corruption risks due to the differences in law, social environment, staff culture as well as problems relating to "remote management" of the business. Click here to learn the life hacks for cross-boundary business management.
The ICAC produces a full range of business ethics resources for various business targets. For instance, corporate leaders can make use of the Corporate Ethics Health Checklist to conduct a quick organisational check-up in corporate ethics and diagnose the areas for follow-up and improvement. Business practitioners may visit the Busted! 12 Myths about Corruption webpage to learn about some common corruption myths and mitigate corruption risks at work.
The ICAC provides free anti-corruption and ethics training to help business organisations cultivate an ethical culture. The Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC also launches an online training platform BEDC Channel to offer free thematic webinars regularly for business practitioners and professionals of different trades and sectors.
Some decisions in workplace are tough calls when involving ethical dilemmas. The Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC developed an “ETHICS PLUS” Model, which is an ethical decision making tool for business practitioners to resolve ethical dilemmas at work. Check out the dedicated website for more details.
The SMEs and Start-ups Corner is a one-stop online ethics resources portal developed by the Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre (HKBEDC) of the ICAC. The Corner introduces common corruption and malpractice risks in business operation and provides useful tips and resources for SME and start-up proprietors.
A "Starting-Up Right!" Anti-Corruption Information Kit for Start-ups & SMEs is also produced to highlight key points of the anti-corruption laws. Interested parties may contact the HKBEDC to obtain the Information Kit.
Under the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations, Chapter 60E, Laws of Hong Kong, every person who imports into or exports from Hong Kong any article other than an exempted article is required to lodge with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise an accurate and complete import or export/re-export declaration within 14 days after the importation or exportation of the article. For details, please click here.
- specially designed to expedite the clearance of air cargo;
- direct system interface between Customs and cargo operators for the exchange of cargo data and Customs clearance instructions;
- service availability of 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; and
- covering clearance of all types of air cargoes.
For air, ocean and river cargoes, there is an Electronic System for Cargo Manifests (EMAN) which enables carriers to submit cargo manifests electronically to the Customs and Excise Department, the Census and Statistics Department and the Trade and Industry Department in one go.
There is also a Sea Cargo Appointment Website to enable consignees or their representatives to make cargo examination appointment with Customs for detained sea cargoes.
The Road Cargo System (ROCARS) commenced its mandatory implementation on 17 November 2011. It enables registered shippers or their authorized agents to submit advanced cargo information of road cargo by electronic means. Under the system, truck drivers can enjoy seamless and speedy Customs clearance when they convey road cargoes across land boundary control points.
The Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong and the Mainland Customs have signed the Co-operation Arrangement on Customs Facilitation Measures for Wine Entering the Mainland through Hong Kong (Facilitation Measures) to facilitate wine business between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Under the Facilitation Measures, Hong Kong Registered Wine Exporters could lodge advance wine consignment information online to enjoy instant Customs clearance upon their consignments' arrival at all ports of the 42 Mainland Customs districts.
To further enrich the facilitation services provided under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and to facilitate more transhipment cargoes in Hong Kong to be qualified for preferential tariff, the Customs and Excise Department has launched the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (FTA Scheme) since 20 December 2015. This voluntary scheme provides traders with Customs supervision service and issues Certificate of Non-manipulation to certify transhipment cargoes that have not been undergone any further processing during their stay in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (HKAEO) Programme launched in April 2012, is administered by the Customs and Excise Department under an open, free and voluntary certification regime. In compliance with World Customs Organization's SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, it aims to enhance international supply chain security by strengthening the Customs-to-Business partnership.
To assist SMEs to join the Programme, there are two tiers of HKAEO status, which help upgrade their supply chain security management.
All local stakeholders engaging in the international supply chain activities are eligible to apply for the Programme. They can enjoy relevant Customs facilitation and benefits after being accreditation.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (the KPCS) for rough diamonds has been developed by the Kimberley Process, an international negotiating forum that seeks to stop trading in "conflict diamonds" from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of rebel movements and illicit proliferation of armament. The KPCS implemented in HKSAR comprises a registration system for rough diamond traders and a certification system for import/export of rough diamonds. The KPCS is administered by the Trade and Industry Department and enforced by the Customs & Excise Department.
No person shall manufacture pre-recorded or blank optical discs in except with a valid licence issued under section 3 of the Prevention of Copyright Piracy Ordinance, Chapter 544, Laws of Hong Kong. It is also stipulated under section 4 of the Ordinance that no licensee shall manufacture optical discs in any place other than a licensed premises.
Under sections 6C and 6D of the Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong, any persons, who import or export Optical Disc Mastering and Replication Equipment (ODMRE), are also required to apply for import or export licence.
The Customs & Excise Department is responsible for issuing and endorsing the Import and Export Licence, Licence for the Manufacture of Optical Discs/Stampers, and Transhipment Notification for ODMRE.
Prohibited articles are goods the import, export or transit of which are prohibited or controlled under the provisions of the Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong, or any other laws of the HKSAR.
Any persons importing or exporting such prohibited articles must apply for licences, permits or certificates from the Government Departments concerned in advance and are subject to the conditions imposed thereof. For details, please click here.
The Customs and Excise Department is responsible for protection and collection of revenue on four types of dutiable commodities which are liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol irrespective of whether they are imported or locally manufactured under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, Chapter 109, Laws of Hong Kong.
The website of Dutiable Commodities System (DCS) receives and processes licence applications submitted by users through electronic means and introduces the permit application method to users.
In accordance with the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance, Chapter 330, Laws of Hong Kong, any persons who carry on business of importing motor vehicles for use in Hong Kong, and/or distributing or retailing motor vehicles by sale for use in Hong Kong should register as importers/distributors with the Customs and Excise Department within 30 days of the commencement of their business. For the details of registration as importers/distributors, please click here.
The Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong provides the legal basis for implementing strategic trade control in Hong Kong. The Ordinance stipulates that no person shall import or export any article specified in the Schedules to the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations except under and in accordance with a licence issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry.
The e-Sea Customs Clearance Scheme (the e-SCC Scheme) aims to provide an e-channel for sea freight forwarders and logistics companies to lodge advance house bill of lading information to Customs, which simplifies customs clearance procedures and achieves resources saving and efficiency enhancement for customs, carriers and forwarders.
Trade Single Window is a one-stop electronic platform for lodging Business-to-Government (B2G) trade documents to facilitate the trading community to meet the import and export regulatory requirements of Hong Kong. In this regard, the Office of Trade Single Window Operation has been setup within the Customs & Excise Department providing the trade and logistics industries with supporting services. The office is also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, operation and promotion of the Trade Single Window.
Trade Single Window will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 has been launched.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) was established in 1966 under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance, Chapter 1115, Laws of Hong Kong. Through the provision of export credit insurance services, the HKECIC protects Hong Kong exporters who trade on credit terms with overseas buyers against non-payment risks and helps them conduct export business in a prudent manner. HKECIC provides tailor-made facilities to cater for different needs of SME, micro-business and start-up exporters.
The HKSAR Government introduced 100% Credit Limit Top-Up Scheme through the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) to support Hong Kong exporters to extend credit to their overseas buyers, and assist them in exploring the export trade markets amidst the pandemic and the uncertain trading environment. The Scheme is valid until 30 June 2023.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC)'s 10 enhanced measures provide support to Hong Kong exporters in exploring export trade markets amidst the volatile trading environment, and in regaining market share under the "new normal". 10 enhanced measures have been launched and will be valid until 30 June 2023.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) launched the Export Credit Guarantee Programme on 29 March 2022 on a pilot basis for 12 months (effective from 29 March 2022 to 28 March 2023). Under the Programme, HKECIC will guarantee up to 70% of the export financing of the policyholders at a maximum guarantee limit of HK$50 million. The lenders will, after credit assessment of the policyholders, apply for the guarantee from HKECIC.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) launched the Flexible Indemnity Ratio Arrangement on 28 September 2022 to provide enhanced coverage under different risk situations, with a view to allowing greater flexibility for exporters to secure orders from overseas buyers. Under the Arrangement, HKECIC will take into account policyholders' needs and consider providing an automatic uplift for credit limits of or below HK$5 million that were not fully approved to a maximum of HK$12.5 million, if needed. The indemnity ratio will be correspondingly adjusted from 90% to 60% the lowest. No additional premium would be required.
The Intellectual Property Department has launched the Intellectual Property (IP) Manager Scheme PLUS, which provides more comprehensive and in-depth IP training courses to assist Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs to build up their IP manpower capacity and to grasp the opportunities brought by IP trading. Enterprises registered in Hong Kong can join the Scheme for free. Participating enterprises can get priority in registration and special offers for their staff to join the IP Training Programme.
The Intellectual Property Department organises the Intellectual Property (IP) Training Programme, providing training courses which are designed to cater for specific duties and career development needs of IP Managers and help establish their expertise and skills. The courses will enable them to enhance awareness of IP protection and fully exploit the creative potential of an enterprise, proactively protect an enterprise’s IP from infringement, and liberate the value of an enterprise’s IP assets for trading or seeking investment.
The Intellectual Property Department, with support from the Law Society of Hong Kong, provides free one-on-one Intellectual Property (IP) Consultation Service for Hong Kong SMEs with a view to assisting them to raise their awareness of IP and to develop effective IP management and commercialisation strategies.
A 45-minute face-to-face Consultation Service will be delivered by practising solicitors of the Law Society of Hong Kong. Advisory areas cover IP registration, IP management, IP licensing and IP due diligence.
The Government protects employees’ rights and benefits as well as occupational safety and health through an extensive programme of labour legislation. The Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57, Laws of Hong Kong, provides the framework for a comprehensive code of employment. It governs the payment of wages, the termination of employment contracts, the operation of employment agencies, etc. The law provides eligible employees with various benefits and protection such as rest days, paid statutory holidays, paid annual leave, sickness allowance, paid paternity leave, maternity protection and employment protection.
The Labour Department provides free round-the-clock employment and recruitment services to job-seekers and employers through the Interactive Employment Service website and mobile application.
Under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System, employees and self-employed persons (SEPs) aged 18 to 64 are, unless exempted, required to join an MPF scheme. The MPF System is employment-based. An employer must provide 5% of an employee’s relevant income (RI) as mandatory contributions for the employee, subject to a maximum RI level. Employees have to make the same amount of contributions for themselves unless their RIs are below the minimum level. SEPs must also contribute 5% of their RIs, subject to the minimum and maximum levels.
The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, established under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, regulates the MPF System and ensures compliance with the law to protect the interests of scheme members.
Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) provides a wide range of accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies through three accreditation schemes, namely, the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS); the Hong Kong Certification Body Accreditation Scheme (HKCAS); and the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme (HKIAS).
HKAS has published a directory of accredited organsiations at its website facilitating users of testing, certification and inspection service to select the services provided by these accredited organisations to support their business.
The Quality Services Division of the Innovation and Technology Commission promotes general awareness towards the importance and benefits of standards in underpinning the development of technology and products, and dissemination of the latest standards related information so as to support cross-border trade. In addition to standards sales and provision of standards information, the Quality Services Division also encourages interested parties to take part in international standardization activities.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has published the "From Principles to Practice – SME Personal Data Protection Toolkit" to enhance SMEs' knowledge in protecting and respecting personal data, and provide a structured tool for assisting SMEs in carrying out compliance and governance work, so as to create a workplace and an operating model that uphold the culture of respecting and protecting personal data privacy, under the overall direction of developing Hong Kong into a Smart City.
Invest Hong Kong works with overseas and Mainland companies, including SMEs, entrepreneurs and startups that wish to set up an office or expand their existing business in Hong Kong. Invest Hong Kong offers free advice and services to support companies from the planning stage right through to the launch and expansion of their business.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) enforces the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) to uphold a fair and corruption-free society and safeguard the legitimate interests of different stakeholders. The POBO governs corruption in both the private and public sector. Click here to view the gist of the POBO.
Cross-boundary business operations may encounter corruption risks due to the differences in law, social environment, staff culture as well as problems relating to "remote management" of the business. Click here to learn the life hacks for cross-boundary business management.
The ICAC produces a full range of business ethics resources for various business targets. For instance, corporate leaders can make use of the Corporate Ethics Health Checklist to conduct a quick organisational check-up in corporate ethics and diagnose the areas for follow-up and improvement. Business practitioners may visit the Busted! 12 Myths about Corruption webpage to learn about some common corruption myths and mitigate corruption risks at work.
The ICAC provides free anti-corruption and ethics training to help business organisations cultivate an ethical culture. The Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC also launches an online training platform BEDC Channel to offer free thematic webinars regularly for business practitioners and professionals of different trades and sectors.
Some decisions in workplace are tough calls when involving ethical dilemmas. The Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC developed an “ETHICS PLUS” Model, which is an ethical decision making tool for business practitioners to resolve ethical dilemmas at work. Check out the dedicated website for more details.
The SMEs and Start-ups Corner is a one-stop online ethics resources portal developed by the Hong Kong Business Ethics Development Centre (HKBEDC) of the ICAC. The Corner introduces common corruption and malpractice risks in business operation and provides useful tips and resources for SME and start-up proprietors.
A "Starting-Up Right!" Anti-Corruption Information Kit for Start-ups & SMEs is also produced to highlight key points of the anti-corruption laws. Interested parties may contact the HKBEDC to obtain the Information Kit.
Under the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations, Chapter 60E, Laws of Hong Kong, every person who imports into or exports from Hong Kong any article other than an exempted article is required to lodge with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise an accurate and complete import or export/re-export declaration within 14 days after the importation or exportation of the article. For details, please click here.
- specially designed to expedite the clearance of air cargo;
- direct system interface between Customs and cargo operators for the exchange of cargo data and Customs clearance instructions;
- service availability of 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; and
- covering clearance of all types of air cargoes.
For air, ocean and river cargoes, there is an Electronic System for Cargo Manifests (EMAN) which enables carriers to submit cargo manifests electronically to the Customs and Excise Department, the Census and Statistics Department and the Trade and Industry Department in one go.
There is also a Sea Cargo Appointment Website to enable consignees or their representatives to make cargo examination appointment with Customs for detained sea cargoes.
The Road Cargo System (ROCARS) commenced its mandatory implementation on 17 November 2011. It enables registered shippers or their authorized agents to submit advanced cargo information of road cargo by electronic means. Under the system, truck drivers can enjoy seamless and speedy Customs clearance when they convey road cargoes across land boundary control points.
The Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong and the Mainland Customs have signed the Co-operation Arrangement on Customs Facilitation Measures for Wine Entering the Mainland through Hong Kong (Facilitation Measures) to facilitate wine business between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Under the Facilitation Measures, Hong Kong Registered Wine Exporters could lodge advance wine consignment information online to enjoy instant Customs clearance upon their consignments' arrival at all ports of the 42 Mainland Customs districts.
To further enrich the facilitation services provided under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and to facilitate more transhipment cargoes in Hong Kong to be qualified for preferential tariff, the Customs and Excise Department has launched the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (FTA Scheme) since 20 December 2015. This voluntary scheme provides traders with Customs supervision service and issues Certificate of Non-manipulation to certify transhipment cargoes that have not been undergone any further processing during their stay in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (HKAEO) Programme launched in April 2012, is administered by the Customs and Excise Department under an open, free and voluntary certification regime. In compliance with World Customs Organization's SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, it aims to enhance international supply chain security by strengthening the Customs-to-Business partnership.
To assist SMEs to join the Programme, there are two tiers of HKAEO status, which help upgrade their supply chain security management.
All local stakeholders engaging in the international supply chain activities are eligible to apply for the Programme. They can enjoy relevant Customs facilitation and benefits after being accreditation.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (the KPCS) for rough diamonds has been developed by the Kimberley Process, an international negotiating forum that seeks to stop trading in "conflict diamonds" from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of rebel movements and illicit proliferation of armament. The KPCS implemented in HKSAR comprises a registration system for rough diamond traders and a certification system for import/export of rough diamonds. The KPCS is administered by the Trade and Industry Department and enforced by the Customs & Excise Department.
No person shall manufacture pre-recorded or blank optical discs in except with a valid licence issued under section 3 of the Prevention of Copyright Piracy Ordinance, Chapter 544, Laws of Hong Kong. It is also stipulated under section 4 of the Ordinance that no licensee shall manufacture optical discs in any place other than a licensed premises.
Under sections 6C and 6D of the Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong, any persons, who import or export Optical Disc Mastering and Replication Equipment (ODMRE), are also required to apply for import or export licence.
The Customs & Excise Department is responsible for issuing and endorsing the Import and Export Licence, Licence for the Manufacture of Optical Discs/Stampers, and Transhipment Notification for ODMRE.
Prohibited articles are goods the import, export or transit of which are prohibited or controlled under the provisions of the Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong, or any other laws of the HKSAR.
Any persons importing or exporting such prohibited articles must apply for licences, permits or certificates from the Government Departments concerned in advance and are subject to the conditions imposed thereof. For details, please click here.
The Customs and Excise Department is responsible for protection and collection of revenue on four types of dutiable commodities which are liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol irrespective of whether they are imported or locally manufactured under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, Chapter 109, Laws of Hong Kong.
The website of Dutiable Commodities System (DCS) receives and processes licence applications submitted by users through electronic means and introduces the permit application method to users.
In accordance with the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance, Chapter 330, Laws of Hong Kong, any persons who carry on business of importing motor vehicles for use in Hong Kong, and/or distributing or retailing motor vehicles by sale for use in Hong Kong should register as importers/distributors with the Customs and Excise Department within 30 days of the commencement of their business. For the details of registration as importers/distributors, please click here.
The Import and Export Ordinance, Chapter 60, Laws of Hong Kong provides the legal basis for implementing strategic trade control in Hong Kong. The Ordinance stipulates that no person shall import or export any article specified in the Schedules to the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations except under and in accordance with a licence issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry.
The e-Sea Customs Clearance Scheme (the e-SCC Scheme) aims to provide an e-channel for sea freight forwarders and logistics companies to lodge advance house bill of lading information to Customs, which simplifies customs clearance procedures and achieves resources saving and efficiency enhancement for customs, carriers and forwarders.
Trade Single Window is a one-stop electronic platform for lodging Business-to-Government (B2G) trade documents to facilitate the trading community to meet the import and export regulatory requirements of Hong Kong. In this regard, the Office of Trade Single Window Operation has been setup within the Customs & Excise Department providing the trade and logistics industries with supporting services. The office is also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, operation and promotion of the Trade Single Window.
Trade Single Window will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 has been launched.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) was established in 1966 under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance, Chapter 1115, Laws of Hong Kong. Through the provision of export credit insurance services, the HKECIC protects Hong Kong exporters who trade on credit terms with overseas buyers against non-payment risks and helps them conduct export business in a prudent manner. HKECIC provides tailor-made facilities to cater for different needs of SME, micro-business and start-up exporters.
The HKSAR Government introduced 100% Credit Limit Top-Up Scheme through the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) to support Hong Kong exporters to extend credit to their overseas buyers, and assist them in exploring the export trade markets amidst the pandemic and the uncertain trading environment. The Scheme is valid until 30 June 2023.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC)'s 10 enhanced measures provide support to Hong Kong exporters in exploring export trade markets amidst the volatile trading environment, and in regaining market share under the "new normal". 10 enhanced measures have been launched and will be valid until 30 June 2023.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) launched the Export Credit Guarantee Programme on 29 March 2022 on a pilot basis for 12 months (effective from 29 March 2022 to 28 March 2023). Under the Programme, HKECIC will guarantee up to 70% of the export financing of the policyholders at a maximum guarantee limit of HK$50 million. The lenders will, after credit assessment of the policyholders, apply for the guarantee from HKECIC.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) launched the Flexible Indemnity Ratio Arrangement on 28 September 2022 to provide enhanced coverage under different risk situations, with a view to allowing greater flexibility for exporters to secure orders from overseas buyers. Under the Arrangement, HKECIC will take into account policyholders' needs and consider providing an automatic uplift for credit limits of or below HK$5 million that were not fully approved to a maximum of HK$12.5 million, if needed. The indemnity ratio will be correspondingly adjusted from 90% to 60% the lowest. No additional premium would be required.
The Intellectual Property Department has launched the Intellectual Property (IP) Manager Scheme PLUS, which provides more comprehensive and in-depth IP training courses to assist Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs to build up their IP manpower capacity and to grasp the opportunities brought by IP trading. Enterprises registered in Hong Kong can join the Scheme for free. Participating enterprises can get priority in registration and special offers for their staff to join the IP Training Programme.
The Intellectual Property Department organises the Intellectual Property (IP) Training Programme, providing training courses which are designed to cater for specific duties and career development needs of IP Managers and help establish their expertise and skills. The courses will enable them to enhance awareness of IP protection and fully exploit the creative potential of an enterprise, proactively protect an enterprise’s IP from infringement, and liberate the value of an enterprise’s IP assets for trading or seeking investment.
The Intellectual Property Department, with support from the Law Society of Hong Kong, provides free one-on-one Intellectual Property (IP) Consultation Service for Hong Kong SMEs with a view to assisting them to raise their awareness of IP and to develop effective IP management and commercialisation strategies.
A 45-minute face-to-face Consultation Service will be delivered by practising solicitors of the Law Society of Hong Kong. Advisory areas cover IP registration, IP management, IP licensing and IP due diligence.
The Government protects employees’ rights and benefits as well as occupational safety and health through an extensive programme of labour legislation. The Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57, Laws of Hong Kong, provides the framework for a comprehensive code of employment. It governs the payment of wages, the termination of employment contracts, the operation of employment agencies, etc. The law provides eligible employees with various benefits and protection such as rest days, paid statutory holidays, paid annual leave, sickness allowance, paid paternity leave, maternity protection and employment protection.
The Labour Department provides free round-the-clock employment and recruitment services to job-seekers and employers through the Interactive Employment Service website and mobile application.
Under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System, employees and self-employed persons (SEPs) aged 18 to 64 are, unless exempted, required to join an MPF scheme. The MPF System is employment-based. An employer must provide 5% of an employee’s relevant income (RI) as mandatory contributions for the employee, subject to a maximum RI level. Employees have to make the same amount of contributions for themselves unless their RIs are below the minimum level. SEPs must also contribute 5% of their RIs, subject to the minimum and maximum levels.
The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, established under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, regulates the MPF System and ensures compliance with the law to protect the interests of scheme members.
Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) provides a wide range of accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies through three accreditation schemes, namely, the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS); the Hong Kong Certification Body Accreditation Scheme (HKCAS); and the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme (HKIAS).
HKAS has published a directory of accredited organsiations at its website facilitating users of testing, certification and inspection service to select the services provided by these accredited organisations to support their business.
The Quality Services Division of the Innovation and Technology Commission promotes general awareness towards the importance and benefits of standards in underpinning the development of technology and products, and dissemination of the latest standards related information so as to support cross-border trade. In addition to standards sales and provision of standards information, the Quality Services Division also encourages interested parties to take part in international standardization activities.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has published the "From Principles to Practice – SME Personal Data Protection Toolkit" to enhance SMEs' knowledge in protecting and respecting personal data, and provide a structured tool for assisting SMEs in carrying out compliance and governance work, so as to create a workplace and an operating model that uphold the culture of respecting and protecting personal data privacy, under the overall direction of developing Hong Kong into a Smart City.