Hong Kong further relaxes textile control regime

The Hong Kong SAR Government published the “Import and Export (General) Regulations (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2014” and the “Import and Export (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2014” in the Gazette on the 13th. Further relax Hong Kong’s textile control system. ​
The relevant revised orders and revised regulations will be implemented on November 21. After the relevant revised orders and revised regulations are implemented, all imported and exported textiles will no longer be subject to visa and notification regulations. In addition, the manufacture of all cut and sewn garments will no longer be subject to production notifications. ​
The Trade and Industry Department will maintain the arrangements for the textile traders registration scheme and continue to provide services to textile traders who voluntarily register for an initial period of about three years. If there is a need to reinstate the textile control system in the future, registered textile traders can immediately take advantage of the facilitation measures under the Textile Traders Registration Scheme. After the relaxation, the annual registration fee for textile traders will be reduced from HK$349 to HK$61. ​
A spokesman for the Trade and Industry Department said that further relaxation of controls marks an important milestone. The textile trade controls that have been maintained for more than half a century have been completely lifted to cater for the open global textile trade environment and the development of the local textile industry. It is believed that it will facilitate the import and export of textiles. . ​
The spokesman said that we encourage textile manufacturers to prepare for the upcoming relaxation of the textile control system. The Trade and Industry Department will announce the implementation details of the relaxation arrangements through trade circulars and its department website later.