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The Import and Export (Amendment) Ordinance 2009, which amends sections 4 and 14A(6)(b)(iv) of the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60) to strengthen control over smuggling activities at sea, comes into operation today (December 24).
A government spokesman said section 4 of the Import and Export Ordinance had been amended to the effect that the Commissioner of Customs and Excise can authorise any police officer, regardless of rank, to exercise any of the powers and perform any of the duties conferred or imposed on an authorised officer by the Import and Export Ordinance.
In addition, section 14A(6)(b)(iv) of the Import and Export Ordinance has also been amended to the effect that a vessel (or vessel under construction) of less than 250 gross tonnes could be presumed to have been under construction, constructed or used for the purpose of smuggling if it has a facility to mount one or more outboard engines where the total power of the engines could exceed 168 kilowatts (i.e. 225 horsepower).
The amendment to section 4 of the Import and Export Ordinance will allow the police more flexibility in manpower deployment to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency of combating smuggling activities.
The amendment to section 14A(6)(b)(iv) of the Import and Export Ordinance aims to target boats used or suspected of being used for smuggling purposes. The amended section 14A(6)(b)(iv) of the Import and Export Ordinance will apply only if relevant law enforcement officers have reasonable suspicion that a vessel (or vessel under construction) has been used or is intended to be used for smuggling. The amendment will not affect vessels of less than 250 gross tonnes engaged for bona fide purposes.
The Import and Export (Amendment) Ordinance 2009 was gazetted today.
Ends/Thursday, December 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:58
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