Hong Kong Customs Info

Household Goods
Used household articles and personal effects (except motor vehicles) do not require an import declaration. Customs control on imported goods is done through inspection of documents such as manifests, and where necessary, physical examination of the goods.

Motor Vehicles
If a motor vehicle is imported by a private individual for his own use and not for re-sale, registration as an importer is not required. An import license is required for left-hand drive motor vehicles only.

However:

- The owner has to file an Import Return (CED336) and a Declaration on Particulars of Motor Vehicles imported for personal use (CED336A) with the Customs and Excise Department within 30 days of the importation of the motor vehicle.

- The vehicles must satisfy exhaust and noise emission standards. They are also subject to the payment of a "First Registration Tax" (40 to 60% of vehicle's value) and licensing with the Hong Kong Transport Department (application form TD22).

Required documents include:

• Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport with copy of visa
• Driving license from the country where the vehicle was last registered
• Proof of residence for more than 6 months in the origin country (utility bills...)
• Reason for importing (employment / study in HK) - a letter is fine.
• Valid Third Party Risk Insurance Certificate
• Vehicle book or registration document proving ownership
• Manufacturer's or dealer's invoices with payments receipts
• Shipping documents (Asian Tigers can provide these)
• Payment of taxes and fees

Controlled Items - Pet Dogs & Cats

Dogs and cats should not be shipped to Hong Kong (either to import or for transshipment/transit) unless a Special Permit (form AF240)
The permit fee for one animal is HK$432, and HK$102 for every additional animal.
Allow 5 working days for permit process plus mailing time if applying from overseas. The permit is valid 90 days from the issue date.
The pet must travel as manifest cargo (not in cabin) and covered by an air waybill.
Health and vaccination certificates are required. Exact requirements depend on the origin country.

Plants

Dutiable Items
Hong Kong is a free port, but some commodities (liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol) are subject to duty. Wines & Sprits.

Type of Liquor: Rated 100%
Liquor with an alcoholic strength of more than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20oC
Example: brandy, whisky, rum, gin, vodka

Type of Liquor: Rated 80% - Wine

Type of Liquor: Rated 40%
Liquor, other than wine, with an alcoholic strength of not more than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20oC

Example: cider, beer, sake

The shipper should prepare a detailed list and provide the purchase invoice for any liquor. Click here for a sample – (have it on my customs file)

A permit may be required if the dutiable value exceeds HK$2,000. When insufficient information is available, Hong Kong Customs may charge as much as HK$160 per bottle in addition to applicable duties.

Others
Licenses and permits are required for the importation of dangerous articles (firearms, chemicals...).

Note: Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, mymovingguide.com can only offer guidance but cannot be responsible for miss-advice. Please contact the consulate or embassy representing the country to which you are moving to determine the applicable rules, regulations and laws to which your shipment will be subject.