The Hong Kong-Korea Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on the Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) will become operational with effect from tomorrow (August 29), while the MRA between the Mainland and Hong Kong Customs, with road cargoes having been covered since May 18, will take effect from September 1 for air and sea cargoes.
The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) signed the MRAs with the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) in October 2013 and February 2014 respectively. The MRAs not only foster closer co-operation between the C&ED and its counterparts in the Mainland and Korea in promoting a secure and efficient flow of goods in the international supply chain, but also further strengthen the trade competitiveness of local companies in these two economies.
Under the MRAs, local companies accredited by the C&ED as AEOs can enjoy customs facilitation, such as reduced examination or prioritised clearance, for goods exported to the Mainland and Korea upon arrival.
Similarly, companies which have been certified by the GACC as "AA" class (equivalent to AEO) and those certified by the KCS as AEOs will have their exported goods cleared expeditiously upon arrival in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong AEO, or its agent, should provide its 15-digit Hong Kong AEO code to the Mainland or Korean importer for their declaration to the GACC or the KCS to enjoy the facilitation in the Mainland or Korea.
Alternatively, the Hong Kong importer should accurately input the name and address of the Mainland or Korean AEO exporter in its submission of electronic advance cargo information to the C&ED to enjoy the facilitation in Hong Kong.
The facilitation measures to be provided under the MRAs will enable local companies to tap into the Mainland and Korean markets, bringing more business opportunities to the import/export and logistics industries, thereby sustaining Hong Kong's long-term economic development.
Ends/Thursday, August 28, 2014