The Government published in the Gazette today (November 16) the Mines (Safety) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 2018, the Dangerous Goods (General) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 2018 and the Dangerous Goods (Government Explosives Depots) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 2018 to adjust fees for 17 services specified under the Regulations.

     The fee adjustment covers some services provided by the Government in respect of:
(a) mine blasting;
(b) the manufacture, storage, movement and discharge of certain dangerous goods in category 1 (explosives and blasting agents); and
(c) the storage and delivery of explosives and explosive accessories.

     In line with the "user pays" principle, it is the Government's policy that fees and charges should in general be set at levels sufficient to recover the full cost of providing the services. In order to achieve full cost recovery gradually and avoid a steep fee increase, the existing 17 fees under the Regulations will increase by about 9 to 15 per cent or decrease by about 6 to 8 per cent.

     The Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on November 21. Subject to approval by negative vetting, the revised fees will come into effect on February 1, 2019.

Ends/Friday, November 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00

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