A local passenger departing from Hong Kong was fined $2,000 today (March 6) at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts for illegally exporting powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months (powdered formula) from Hong Kong under the Import and Export (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2013. He was also fined $1,500 for obstructing Customs officers in the exercise of power, contravening the Import and Export Ordinance. In the case, two boxes and eight cans of powdered formula, with a total net weight of 5.214 kilogrammes, were confiscated.
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 5) intercepted a 26-year-old man departing from Hong Kong at the departure hall of Lo Wu Control Point. Customs officers found in his personal baggage two boxes and eight cans of powdered formula, with a total net weight of 5.214 kilogrammes, which was exceeding the limit of 1.8 kilogrammes. The man also failed to obey the lawful order of the Customs Officers in conducting investigation into the suspected offence. He was arrested by the officers for failing to present an export license and the obstruction offences.
A Customs spokesperson reminded members of the public and persons departing from Hong Kong to observe of the new regulation about the export of powdered formula from Hong Kong which takes 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 kilogrammes 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.
The department has strengthened export control, stepped 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 detect illegal export of powdered formula from Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, March 6 2013