RESOURCES

Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong – The Facts

Hong Kong is rightly proud of its unique and diverse environment and seeks to protect this heritage for future generations. As part of this process items being imported to Hong Kong are considered from several angles – Security/Safety, Customs Tax/Duty Revenues and Environmental Protection.

Customs Regulations

Used personal and household effects are duty free.

Documents required

• Copy of passport copy, with high-quality, legible scan of biography pages
• Authorisation letter allowing Destination Agent to act on client’s behalf with Customs
• Descriptive inventory of goods in English

Environmental Protection

In line with all countries around the world, importation to Hong Kong of foodstuffs or plant materials in a household effects shipment is not recommended, items may not be permitted or may require a permit and any special examination may cause delays and add inspection costs.

Allied Local Offices

Hong Kong

Local to your new home

Allied are part of the worldwide Allied Network, who have long-established Allied offices in Hong Kong. We offer assistance with documentation and clearances and once Customs are finalised, we will contact you to arrange delivery to your new home.

How long does it take?

Allied load more containers to Hong Kong than any other Australian International Movers Association (AIMA) member and this ensures we can also offer more frequent departures.

Indicative transit times are as follows:

Hong Kong

Groupage: 8-12 weeks

Full Container: 5-6 weeks

Pets

Pets are permitted entry into Hong Kong subject to:
• An examination at the vets no more than 14 days prior to export
• Microchip
• Vaccinations
• Pet over 12 weeks at time of travel
• DEFRA Export Health Certificate
• Import Permit

Televisions

Most modern televisions will work in Hong Kong. However with the advent of digital receivers it is inevitable that your television will need to be connected to the equivalent of an Australian Digital Satellite/Cable receiver in Hong Kong. It is worth checking with the manufacturer if you have any concerns.

The logistics are detailed and for this reason we would recommend asking Allied to refer you to an approved specialist in this area.

Electrical Items

Electrical items should generally work on the Hong Kong system, though it is always worth checking with the manufacturer if you have any concerns.

Motor vehicles

Right-hand drive vehicles that have been owned and used by the owner for six months prior to importation are allowed. In practice the registration costs on a vehicle make it impractical to import – starting at 40% of Customs value on the first HK$150,000 on a rising scale to 75% on the next HK$150,000, rising to 100% fee on values above HK$300,000 and 115% once value reaches HK$500,000. Vehicles would need to satisfy noise and emission standards and have full vehicle documentation and would require an Import Permit. Drivers also need to obtain a Hong Kong Driver’s Licence in order to use their vehicles within the country.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics and drugs
• Medications (unless supported with copy of prescription)
• Plants, trees, vegetables, soil, seeds – unless supported by a Phytosanitary certificate and Import Licence
• Weapons, knives, fireworks, explosives and ammunition
• Pornographic material, politically subversive material

Restricted items or items likely to attract interest

• Alcohol will attract duties and taxes if over 30% proof
• Under 30% proof is duty free, but a list will be required of type/make/%/volume and value.
• Perfume, carpets, sports equipment
• Furs, feathers, skins, tusks, ivory and some agricultural products – will require an Export Licence, Certificate of Origin and an Import Licence – not recommended for inclusion
• Canned or non-perishable food items in small quantities for personal use