FHKI Warmly Welcomes New Streamlined Customs Procedures for

Hong Kong-Manufactured Food Products Entering the Mainland Market

 

 

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) highly welcomes the introduction of new streamlined customs procedures, as outlined in the Cooperation Agreement on the Supervision of Safety and Facilitation of Customs Clearance of Food Products Manufactured in Hong Kong Exported to the Mainland (Cooperation Agreement). Scheduled to take effect on May 21, these measures will considerably enhance the customs clearance process for eligible Hong Kong-made food products, facilitating more efficient exports. The FHKI commends the Central and HKSAR governments for their openness to the industry's suggestions, which have led to these significant procedural improvements. These changes are anticipated to significantly boost the local food and beverage manufacturing industry, a sector that represents more than a third of Hong Kong's total manufacturing output, and help it grow into the Mainland market.

 

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) released the detailed arrangements for the Cooperation Agreement today (May 7). It will initially cover three major categories of food, namely (1) beverages and cold drinks (excluding alcoholic and dairy beverages); (2) biscuits, pastries and bread; and (3) candies and chocolates (including chocolate, cocoa butter substitute chocolate and their products). This streamlined clearance process will be implemented at all road-based land crossings, including all ports under the Shenzhen Customs and the Gongbei Customs.

 

Local food manufacturers interested in participating must submit an application to the CFS for Advance Release Permission. Upon verifying the manufacturer's eligibility, the CFS will issue Advance Release Permission to qualified food manufacturers. The criteria include: possession of a valid food factory license issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD); production of food products in the licensed food factory; implementation of a food safety management system with relevant certification (such as ISO 22000 or HACCP); and adherence to the national standards and laws of Mainland China. Subsequently, the food manufacturer must apply to the CFS for a Health Certificate for Foods of Animal Origin or a Food Inspection Certificate for each batch of food products exported to the Mainland. Additionally, each shipment of food products must include a Certificate of Hong Kong Origin - CEPA.

 

FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang remarked that the FHKI has been instrumental in orchestrating meetings between relevant policy bureaus, departments, and industry representatives, and he is extremely encouraged by the official launch of these initiatives: " First and foremost, we must express our deep appreciation to the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their significant focus on the industry's voice, for embracing the FHKI's recommendations, and for their active engagement in easing restrictions at critical points. These new measures undoubtedly serve as a strong stimulant for the industry, poised to significantly aid in penetrating the Mainland market. This represents not only substantial business opportunities but also demonstrates that the quality of Hong Kong's food products is widely trusted and esteemed by customers in the Mainland market."

 

FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of Group 8 (Food, Beverages, and Tobacco), Anthony Lam, highlighted the significant impact of the food and beverage sector on Hong Kong's manufacturing landscape. In 2023, the three initial categories covered by the Cooperation Agreement accounted for a substantial share of food exports to the Mainland, totaling over 51.7 million kg and valued at approximately HK$2.84 billion. Lam expects that the new measures will increase both the volume and diversity of exported products. "These streamlined procedures address the longstanding challenges related to clearance delays and inspection unpredictability, marking a significant advancement for both Hong Kong's industry and Mainland consumers. They are also expected to drive industry upgrades and enhance exports," Lam added.

 

In recent years, the FHKI has been proactively proposing and advocating to national leaders and various HKSAR Government bureaus and departments, aiming to deregulate and assist the Hong Kong food and beverage manufacturing industry in further expanding into the Mainland market and capitalising on the integration opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. In November 2021, the FHKI and industry representatives initiated the first meeting with the Food and Health Bureau, the Centre for Food Safety, and the Trade and Industry Department to discuss establishing convenient customs clearance arrangements for food. Over the next two years, the FHKI relentlessly pursued the implementation, engaging in multiple consultations with both the Central and HKSAR governments about the detailed execution steps. Ultimately, last November, the authorities announced that the Cooperation Agreement would be implemented in the first half of this year.

 

For more detailed information on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement, please visit the Centre for Food Safety website at: https://www.cfs.gov.hk/tc_chi/export/export_fem/advance_release_arrangement.html

 

Picture 1: Anthony Lam, FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman (right 2), and Bonnie Chan, FHKI Director-General (right 1) met with Lau Lee Kwan, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food) (left 2), Dr. Christine Wong, Controller, Centre for Food Safety of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and representatives from relevant departments yesterday (May 6). The meeting focused on discussing the implementation arrangements for the Cooperation Agreement as reported by the authorities.

 

 

 

Picture 2: Anthony Lam, FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman (right 7), and Bonnie Chan, FHKI Director-General (right 6), along with industry representatives, met with representatives from relevant Government departments.

 

Picture 3: Representatives from the Food and Health Bureau, the Centre for Food Safety and the Trade and Industry Department met with FHKI representatives.

 

 

*Please visit here for higher resolution photos.

 

 

Media Enquiries:

 

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