The Food & Health Bureau has launched a
public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Import & Export (General) Regulations, to combat the problem of parallel traders diverting large quantities of powdered milk away from the supply chain in Hong Kong.
The Government proposes to amend the regulations by including powdered formula for infants and young children under the age of 36 months as an item of specified articles requiring an export licence from the Director-General of Trade & Industry. Anyone contravening the requirement will be liable to two-year's jail and a $500,000 fine.
The Trade & Industry Department will in general issue export licences only to importers of "infant/follow-up/growing-up formula and baby food" who have registered under the Food Safety Ordinance, or those exempted from the registration requirement.
The Government proposes that no more than a total net weight of 1.8kg of powdered formula can be carried by each person aged 16 or above out of Hong Kong. In general, the net weight of a can of powdered formula is 0.9kg. This means that each person can carry two cans. The age limit is to prevent children from being used to carry cans of formula.
To prevent parallel traders from abusing the exemption by making multiple journeys to Hong Kong on the same day, the Government proposes the exemption only be applicable on the first departure from Hong Kong within a 24-hour period.
The bureau plans to submit the proposed legislative amendments to the Executive Council in February, and will implement the new provisions as soon as possible if the proposal is approved.
People can
email their views to the bureau by February 18.
