The amendments to the Regional Flag & Regional Emblem Ordinance on the design of the emblem on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Legislative Council and the Judiciary’s websites came into effect today.

In accordance with sections 3(1), 3(2A) and 3(2B) of the Regional Flag & Regional Emblem (Amendment) Ordinance, the Chief Executive has revised and published in the Gazette today the stipulations for the display and use of the national flag and national emblem and the regional flag and regional emblem.

The revisions also specify the recovery and disposal of the regional flag and regional emblem.

The amendments stipulate that any damaged, defiled, faded or substandard regional flags and regional emblems must be returned to designated collection points, similar to the arrangement for the recovery and disposal of the national flag and national emblem.

After an event in which regional flags or regional emblems are used, the organiser has the responsibility to keep the regional flags and regional emblems used on the site of the event for safekeeping or reuse, and return any damaged, defiled, faded or substandard regional flags and regional emblems to the collection points.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the fundamental principle and spirit of the amendment ordinance is “respect” - respect the regional flag and regional emblem which are the symbols and signs of the Hong Kong SAR.

With an emphasis on both “education” and “punishment”, the amendment ordinance provides for the proper use, etiquette, education and promotion in relation to the regional flag and regional emblem, while punishing and deterring desecration of them by clarifying the relevant offences provisions.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will step up publicity and education in relation to the regional flag and regional emblem, and enhance the public's understanding on the amendment ordinance.

The Regional Flag & Regional Emblem Ordinance (RFREO) came into effect in the Hong Kong SAR on July 1, 1997.

In view of the amendments to the National Flag & National Emblem Ordinance that were passed in 2021, the Hong Kong SAR Government decided to amend the RFREO to suitably align the two ordinances.