The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (February 27) reminded members of the public and persons departing from Hong Kong to take note of the new regulation about the export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months (powdered formula) from Hong Kong which will take effect on March 1.
The Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013 prohibits the unlicensed export of powdered formula, including milk powder and soya milk powder, for infants and children under 36 months. To allow a reasonable quantity for personal use, the prohibition does not apply to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8 kilograms in total net weight that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of a person leaving Hong Kong. However, the person must be aged 16 or above and must not have left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours.
Offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
In addition, provisions are made to cater for the needs of children leaving Hong Kong together with a person aged 16 or above who has left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours. The prohibition does not apply to powdered formula, not exceeding a reasonable quantity for the children's consumption during the travelling time from a point of exit in Hong Kong to the next point of entry in a place outside Hong Kong, that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of such a person. However, the powdered formula must be in an unsealed container.
A Customs spokesperson said the department would strengthen export control, step up inspection on the baggage of departing persons and cargo through risk assessment at the control points. The department will also enhance intelligence collection and keep close contact with the Mainland Customs for joint operations if necessary.
To remind members of the public of the new regulation, the C&ED has launched a series of publicity work including the distribution of leaflets at pharmaceutical shops in Sheung Shui and Fanling in New Territories North, as well as at control points. Posters and banners will also be displayed at control points and major cross-boundary traffic facilities.
The C&ED has contacted stakeholders of the travel industry and other Customs administrations to help publicise the new measure to overseas and Mainland travellers. The department will also remind travellers by broadcasting the message at border control points and on trains.
Moreover, to tie in with relevant enforcement work, the C&ED will adopt a series of measures including the deployment of additional manpower to meet the needs of the situation and the installation of more x-ray machines at control points to speed up clearance of baggage.
The C&ED appeals to members of the public and outgoing travellers to abide by the new regulation and to co-operate with Customs officers at control points.
Ends/Wednesday, February 27 2013
