World Trade Organization

Import Licensing Procedures

Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap.109)

Notifying member
Hong Kong, China
Title
Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap.109)
First published
16/10/1963
First EIF
Latest published
20/04/2018
In force to
Latest notification
G/LIC/N/3/HKG/27
Product categories
List of products subject to licensing
Attachment
Dutiable Commodities Ordinance Cap 109_20.04.2018.pdf
Nature of licensing
Administrative purpose/measure being implemented
Administrative body(ies) for submission of applications
Licence and Permit Division, Office of Dutiable Commodities Administration, Customs and Excise Department
3/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Contact point for information on eligibility

Same as the "Administrative bodies"

Expected duration of licensing procedure
The electronic submission of DC licence applications is a long term arrangement.
Found by secretariat
No
Links
Related document symbols
  • G/LIC/N/2/HKG/8
  • G/LIC/N/2/HKG/13
Source

Date of publication: It was announced through Hong Kong Government Gazette on 25 November 2016. Traders can access the DCS through website at https://www.dcs.customs.gov.hk to submit licence applications.
Source of publication (Official Gazette /journal/ website):

http://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20141812/es22014181231.pdf

http://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20162047/es220162047175.pdf

http://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20162047/egn201620476672.pdf

Notes

  • G/LIC/N/2/HKG/8


    The Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Regulation 2014 amended the Dutiable Commodities Regulations to make provisions regarding the use of an information system (i.e. the Dutiable Commodities System (DCS)) in connection with applications for licences under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. From 27 July 2017 onwards, it is mandatory for traders to submit electronic dutiable commodities licence applications through the DCS.


    A trader in Hong Kong, China requires a licence to handle dutiable commodities (DC), including alcoholic liquors (with an alcoholic strength above 30% by volume measured at the temperature of 20oC), tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol. Notable licence types include Import and Export Licence, Manufacturer’s Licence and Bonded Warehouse Licence, and all the said licences must be renewed annually. Upon granted a relevant licence, a trader can then apply a DC permit each time to cover any movement of DC such as importation, exportation, transfer between bonded warehouses before duty payment, etc. Before 27 January 2017, an application for a licence, and any information submitted in connection with the application, shall be in paper form. From 27 July 2017 onwards, all licence applications shall be submitted electronically to the Hong Kong Customs through the DCS.


    Under the e-licensing regime, traders can submit licence applications by electronic means, saving their time and manpower resources spent in the paper application process. Traders can now receive automatic reminders of licence renewal and electronic notification of payment of licence fees, thus facilitating their timely completion of formalities as required. The e-licensing system also allows effective data retrieval and system interface with other information databases of the Hong Kong Customs, thereby enhancing our efficiency in processing licence applications, handling enquiries about licence matters as well as carrying out duties regarding revenue control. Implementation of the e-licensing system also saves paper and space required for document storage.


  • G/LIC/N/2/HKG/13


    Adjustment of annual licence fee for the Import and Export Licence under the Dutiable Commodities Regulations (Cap. 109A)

    Modification of specific details in existing procedures: Licence fee/administrative charge

    With effect from 1 March 2019, the annual licence fee for the Import and Export Licence for dutiable commodities has been revised from HK$1,200 to HK$1,320.