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Hongkong Post (HKP) announced today (July 31) the implementation details of the Concessionary Scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on Postage Rebate (the Concessionary Scheme).
A number of principal postage rates will be adjusted with effect from October 1, 2013. To provide time-limited relief to SMEs in Hong Kong, HKP announced earlier that a 5 per cent rebate would be provided for the first $3,000 of stamps purchased or postage incurred by SMEs in Hong Kong, subject to a rebate cap of $150 per eligible SME.
All companies in Hong Kong with a valid Business Registration Certificate are eligible if they meet the Government's definition of an SME, i.e. with less than 50 employees in Hong Kong for a non-manufacturing business and less than 100 employees for a manufacturing business. Registration under the Concessionary Scheme will start on September 2, 2013, and end on December 14, 2013. Online registration via the Hongkong Post website (www.hongkongpost.hk) is encouraged. Registration forms can also be downloaded from www.hongkongpost.hk or obtained from all post offices from September 2, 2013.
All postage spending incurred by successfully registered SMEs for local and outbound postings as well as purchases of locally issued stamp sheets and mint stamps made at HKP is eligible for the rebate. All non-postage spending incurred for other services provided by Hongkong Post is not eligible for the rebate. Customers that do not hold any accounts with HKP will receive a cash rebate. HKP's account customers may choose between receiving a cash rebate or receiving the rebate through their accounts.
The rebate will be made on a one-off basis to each successfully registered SME, based on its cumulative eligible spending incurred during the period from October 1 to December 31, 2013. The deadline for making cash rebate claims at post offices is January 30, 2014.
"Over 300 000 SMEs in Hong Kong will be able to benefit from the Concessionary Scheme. The procedures for registration and releasing the rebate have been kept very simple and user-friendly," an HKP spokesman said.
Details of the Concessionary Scheme have been posted on the HKP website (www.hongkongpost.hk). SMEs may also approach post office counter staff or call the hotlines at 2921 6020 or 2921 2222 for enquiries.
Ends/Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:30
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