A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (November 13) reminded importers and exporters that import and export declarations for shipments on or after January 1, 2007 must be completed in accordance with the "Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification List (Harmonized System)" (HKIECL) 2007 Edition.
The 2007 Edition, published in the Gazette on November 10, will take effect on January 1, 2007.
The compilation of HKIECL is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), which is designed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Hong Kong has adopted the HS in full since 1992.
In 2004, the WCO recommended some 350 sets of amendments to the HS. To ensure that Hong Kong's classification system continues to be compatible with those of its major trading partners, Hong Kong will implement the amendments recommended by the WCO with effect from January 1, 2007.
The amendments mainly involve chemicals, textiles and clothing, machinery and electrical products. A summary of the changes to the HKIECL, including conversion lists showing the modified commodity codes, can be found on the website of the Census and Statistics Department
(http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/corner_on_trade_matters/import_ export_declaration_lodgement_and_related_ma/index.jsp).
This bilingual publication is published in a set of two volumes. They can be purchased together or separately from the following channels:
This Publication can also be downloaded for free at "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" on the Internet:
"Statistical Bookstore Hong Kong"
(http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk/en/index.html)
For enquiry about trade classification, please contact Trade Classification Section of the Census and Statistics Department.
Import / Export Declaration Enquiry Hotline: (852) 2877 1818
Fax: (852) 2824 2782
E-mail: trade-declaration@censtatd.gov.hk
Ends/Monday, November 13, 2006