The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on the Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) between the Mainland and Hong Kong Customs will become operational for road cargo with effect from today (May 18), involving four cross-boundary control points, namely Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok and Shenzhen Bay.
The MRA was signed in October 2013 between the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), to mutually recognise the C&ED's Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator Programme and GACC's Measures on Classified Management of Enterprises. The MRA, while promoting a secure and seamless flow of goods across the Mainland-Hong Kong boundary, will further strengthen the trade competitiveness of local companies.
Under the MRA, local companies accredited by the C&ED as AEOs can enjoy clearance facilitation, such as reduced examination or prioritised clearance, for goods exported to the Mainland upon arrival.
Similarly, Mainland companies which have been certified by GACC as "AA" class (equivalent to AEO) will have their exports of goods cleared expeditiously upon arrival in Hong Kong.
To enjoy clearance facilitation during import and export under the MRA, importers are required to provide the AEO code of the exporters to their respective Customs administrations.
The Hong Kong AEO, or its agent, should provide its 15-digit Hong Kong AEO code to the Mainland importer for their declaration to the Mainland Customs to enjoy the facilitation in Mainland China.
Alternatively, the Hong Kong importer may obtain from the Mainland AEO exporter a 15-digit Mainland AEO code and input this code in its submission of electronic advance cargo information to the C&ED through the Road Cargo System to enjoy the facilitation in Hong Kong.
The facilitation measures to be provided under the MRA will enable local companies to tap into the Mainland market, bringing more business opportunities to the import/export and logistics industries, thereby sustaining Hong Kong's long-term economic development.
Ends/Sunday, May 18, 2014