Importing Goods into Hong Kong: Air vs. Sea Port

April 24, 2025
10:56 am

Overview

Importing goods into Hong Kong is a vital component of international trade. As an unrestricted trading hub, Hong Kong allows the free movement of goods with minimal trade barriers. While there is no customs tariff on imported goods, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government imposes excise duties on specific products, including:

Tobacco
Hydrocarbon oil
Alcoholic beverages
Methyl alcohol

All shipments entering or leaving Hong Kong via air, land, or sea routes are subject to customs oversight, including documentation checks and, if necessary, physical inspections.

Prerequisites for Importing Goods

Customs Clearance Procedures

To facilitate customs clearance, importers must prepare the following documents:

Import licenses or removal permits (if applicable)
Copy of detention notice (if applicable)
Supplementary supporting documents (invoices, packing lists, airway bills, etc.)

Customs officers may conduct random physical inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Import Declarations

After shipment arrival, importers must electronically file an import declaration through one of the authorized providers:

Global e-Trading Services Limited
Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited
Brio Electronic Commerce Limited

This process must be completed within 14 days of importation, per the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations. Late or inaccurate declarations may result in penalties up to HK$200.

Additionally, a declaration charge ranging from HK$0.20 to HK$200 applies, depending on the nature of the goods.

Importing by Air vs. Sea Port

Businesses can choose to import goods by air or sea, each with distinct benefits and procedures.

Importing by Air

Air freight offers faster delivery times and reduced transit durations, making it ideal for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.

Customs Declaration: Submitted electronically via the Hong Kong Trade Single Window (TSW) system.
Required Documents: Air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, and relevant permits/licenses.
Customs Inspection: Conducted selectively to ensure regulatory compliance.
Duties & Taxes: Assessed based on the nature of goods and payable to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.

Importing through the Sea Port

For larger shipments, sea freight provides cost efficiency and flexibility in handling different types of goods.

Port Declaration: Submitted through the Hong Kong Port Community System (PCS).
Bill of Lading: Serves as proof of contract and receipt of goods.
Customs Inspection: Conducted selectively to verify compliance.
Duties & Taxes: Assessed based on the imported goods.

Conclusion

Importing goods into Hong Kong provides businesses with significant opportunities for expansion. Whether opting for air or sea freight, understanding the procedural differences is essential for ensuring smooth operations and compliance with regulations.

Contact our customs experts today to optimize your import processes and ensure regulatory compliance.