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The Customs and Excise Department has published a comprehensive guidebook - Code on Conduct and Discipline - for all its staff in both the disciplined and civilian grades.

This was announced today (Thursday) by the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Raymond Li Wai-man, when speaking at a press conference to announce the publication of the Code.

Mr Li pointed out that the Code was aimed at setting out in practical and clear terms the standard of behaviour expected of all staff members in the Department.

"The Code is designed to strengthen departmental procedures and guidelines unique to our operations to help our officers avoid potential conflict of interest situations and to uphold the highest standard of conduct and discipline in our work. The publication of the code will also augur well in reinforcing the culture of integrity among staff at all levels," he went on.

Speaking on the background of the Code, he explained that a Civil Service Integrity Programme jointly launched by the Civil Service Bureau and the Independent Commission Against Corruption was introduced in January this year to underline the Administration's determination to maintaining a clean civil service.

Mr Li went on the say that in response to the programme and, in a separate context, to the World Customs Organisation (WCO) initiative on Customs integrity, the Hong Kong Customs had developed the Code unique to its operations.

The scope of the Code, he cited that, set out the core values of the Civil Service, the Department's mission, guidelines on personal conduct in relation to acceptance of advantages and entertainment, handling of conflict of interest situations, indebtedness, loans, and relations with the public.

"Apart from helping staff to be more aware of how to stay away from corruption, it also gives advice on the steps to be taken when offered a bribe. The steps include how to identify the offeror and the reason for the bribe, refuse the bribe, obtain witnesses when offered bribe, prepare written record and report the bribe to the Department and the ICAC direct," Mr Lee said.

"In order to assist staff members to handle and submit relevant applications and notifications to the management as particular circumstances may require, the Code also includes tables such as notification of acceptance of entertainment; notification of existing/potential conflict of interest between officer's official duties and private interest; report on insolvency and bankruptcy; and report of criminal proceedings," Mr Li added.

The Code also carries the relevant sections of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, Civil Service Regulations and Departmental Standing Circulars relating to integrity.

Copies of the Code, available in both Chinese and English, have been distributed all staff members of the Department for personal reference and retention.

"To further promote and to ensure that every staff member is familiar with the Code, formation heads are required to take the lead to cascade down the message of integrity to staff at all levels by conduct of briefing sessions.

"To complement the efforts of formation heads, regular awareness seminars will be held and a video on integrity will also be produced for training purpose," Mr added.

The Hong Kong Customs is a firm supporter of the Customs integrity programme initiated by the WCO and as promised to the WCO Policy Commission, copies of the Code have been sent to 152 member administrations of the WCO for their reference.

End/Thursday, December 23, 1999

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