The deadline for the business sector to propose additional products for the next phase of tariff elimination under CEPA will be extended by one month to April 30.

The Trade & Industry Department said the extension offers more time for manufacturers and potential investors to prepare and submit their applications.

Under CEPA, 374 Hong Kong origin goods can be exported to the Mainland tariff-free. The Mainland will apply zero tariffs to other products no later than January 1 upon application by local manufacturers and upon CEPA origin rules being agreed and met.

So far, the department has received 90 applications and the product types include food and beverages, textiles and clothing, metals, plastics, machinery, and electronic and optical products.

The department's next step is to enter into discussions with the Mainland on the timetable for implementing the second phase of zero tariffs and to agree on the origin rules for the additional products.