Hong Kong Customs reminds import and export traders to lodge trade declarations within statutory period
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     Hong Kong Customs today (March 22) reminded import and export traders that, according to the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations, they have to lodge with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise an accurate and complete import or export declaration within 14 days after the importation or exportation of an article.

     A chilled poultry and pork trading manager earlier declared in 33 import declarations that "Frozen Pig" had been imported from the Mainland. Investigation by Customs officers revealed that the imported goods should have been "Chilled Pork". The manager was convicted in breach of the Regulations at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on March 11 and fined $33,000.

     In another case, a waste plastic trader declared in four export declarations that "Waste Plastic" had been exported to the Mainland. Investigation by Customs officers revealed that the exported goods should have been "Raw Materials of Plastic". The declared origin and value of goods were also inaccurate. The waste plastic trader was convicted of breaching the Regulations at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts on March 17 and fined $12,000.

     Under the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations, any person who imports or exports any article other than an exempted one shall lodge with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise an accurate and complete import or export declaration relating to such an article within 14 days after the importation or exportation of the article. Any person who lodges a trade declaration with inaccurate information, once convicted, shall be liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 for each count of the offence.

Ends/Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:31

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