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The Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2013 will come into operation on July 8, 2013 (Monday).
A spokesperson for the Trade and Industry Department (TID) said, "The current exercise updates Hong Kong's Strategic Commodities Control List to reflect the changes adopted in the strategic commodities control lists by relevant international non-proliferation regimes, i.e. the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
"Hong Kong has been closely following the control thresholds adopted by the international non-proliferation regimes. This is to ensure that we would always be upholding controls consistent with the international standards, whilst relieving traders from licensing requirements when the international standards are relaxed," the spokesperson added.
Pursuant to Hong Kong Laws, the import and export of strategic commodities are subject to licensing control by the Director-General of Trade and Industry. "Such control helps maintain the confidence of technology supplying countries in our control system, thereby ensuring Hong Kong's continued access to high technology," the spokesperson explained.
Enquiries can be made to the Strategic Trade Controls Branch of the TID by telephone at 2398 5587 or by email at stc@tid.gov.hk.
The TID will also inform traders of the details of the amendments through circular and general advisory service.
Ends/Friday, July 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:31
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