Amended classification for import and export declarations to take effect from 2015

he Customs and Excise Department today (November 17) reminded importers and exporters that import and export declarations for shipments on or after January 1, 2015, must be completed in accordance with the amended classifications made to the current edition of the Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification List (Harmonized System).

The amendments, published in the Gazette on November 14, will take effect from January 1, 2015.

The amendments involve 30 commodity items, mainly including fish, plastic materials, machinery and electrical equipment.

These amendments will bring the classifications more in line with current requirements through the introduction and adoption of more appropriate sub-classifications.

Importers and exporters can obtain the amended list free of charge in the following ways:

1. by downloading the list from the website of the Census and Statistics Department at www.censtatd.gov.hk/trader/declaration/index.jsp; or
2. by calling the Import/Export Declaration and Cargo Manifest Enquiry Hotline of the Census and Statistics Department at 2877 1818.

Enquiries can be made to the Trade Classification Section of the Census and Statistics Department through the Commodity Code Enquiry Hotline at 3178 8933, by fax to 2824 2782 or by email to trade-declaration@censtatd.gov.hk.

Ends/Monday, November 17, 2014