Over 700 Hong Kong traders attended a seminar today on how to apply for exemption from Mainland export duty with a Certificate for Outward Processing in the Mainland.

Hong Kong and the Mainland have agreed to adopt a transitional arrangement for allowing Hong Kong-origin textile and clothing products to claim exemption from Mainland export duty with a certificate, before the long-term electronic arrangement is put in place.

From June 10, traders exporting goods from the Mainland back into Hong Kong after outward processing can present the endorsed certificate to Mainland customs for duty exemption.

Details of the interim arrangement can be found on the Trade & Industry Department's website. Traders can also call 2398 5370 or 34036432.

The department's Assistant Director-General Charmaine Lee reminded traders that only goods that have undergone principal processes in Hong Kong which are sufficient to qualify them as of Hong Kong origin can participate. Traders are also required to apply for a Certificate of Hong Kong Origin when exporting these goods.