The Legislative Council today passed an amendment to the Import & Export (Registration) Regulation to cap the charge for each import and export declaration at $200.

The new measure will apply to goods imported, exported or re-exported from August 1.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau thanked legislators for passing the amendment, saying capping the charge will benefit the local trading and logistics industry by lowering the operating cost of importing and exporting, encouraging the industry to move up the value chain.

The move will also support the further development of businesses in the trading, storage, logistics and distribution of high value goods in Hong Kong, thereby strengthening the city's position as a trading hub, he added.

Capping the charge will save the trade $458 million a year and benefit 900,000 cases involving goods at a value above $1.644 million.

The arrangements for the lodgement of the charge for each import and export declaration, and payment of charges will remain unchanged.

For enquiries, email the Customs & Excise Department or the Census & Statistics Department.

Three companies have been appointed to provide Government Electronic Trading Services. Click here for their contact details.