Hong Kong Customs summarises effectiveness of second phase of enforcement operation "Ice Breaker" against food smuggling
Hong Kong Customs mounted the second phase of the operation against food smuggling, codenamed "Ice Breaker", with Mainland Customs between August and September 2024. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs detected six relevant cases and seized a batch of smuggled or regulated food items, including approximately 260 kilograms of frozen meat, 170kg of hairy crabs and 600 eggs, with an estimated total value of about $200,000.
On August 8, 9, and 19, Hong Kong Customs, acting on intelligence analysis, speculated that some persons would illegally import frozen meat into Hong Kong from the Mainland side of Chung Ying Street in Sha Tou Kok. Customs officers then took action, intercepting and arresting three suspicious persons, aged between 38 and 59, entering Hong Kong on Chung Ying Street. A batch of suspected illegally imported frozen meat was seized on-site. The cases were handed over to the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)for follow-up investigation.
Later, on September 3, 23, and 26, Hong Kong Customs intercepted three vehicles, declared as carrying vegetables, at the Man Kam To Control Point and found a batch of unmanifested goods, including frozen meat, eggs, and hairy crabs, in the cargo compartments. Three male drivers, aged between 53 and 60, were arrested. They have been released on bail pending further investigation by Hong Kong Customs and the CFS.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Under the Import and Export (General) Regulations, it is an offence to import frozen or chilled meat into Hong Kong without an import licence issued by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or an importpermission granted by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Hong Kong Customs summarises effectiveness of second phase of enforcement operation "Ice Breaker" against food smuggling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) presented a Special Hong Kong Award to an Italian company at the 19th China Awards in Milan, Italy on December 4 (Milan time).
The China Awards, organised by the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) annually, is one of the most influential business events in Italy. It recognises Italian companies that have grasped the opportunities in the Chinese market and vice versa, Chinese companies that have invested in Italy and engaged in strategic and innovative collaboration with Italian counterparts.
Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels Miss Fiona Li, commended the recipient of the Special Hong Kong Award, Venchi. This Italian confectionery company has expedited its expansion in Asia, leveraging Hong Kong's vibrant culinary landscape, strategic location and unmatched connectivity with Mainland China. "Its success in Hong Kong and in Asia speaks for itself that establishing a presence in Hong Kong is conducive to its market expansion. It is the testimony of the strengths of Hong Kong - our low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, business-friendly environment, and advanced logistics and supply-chain management", Miss Li said.
The event offered an opportunity to put a quartet comprising of Hong Kong's musicians in the spotlight before 300 executives and senior representatives of top Italian and Chinese companies. The quartet, which was brought to the event by HKETO, Brussels to help give Hong Kong talents international exposure and to showcase Hong Kong as an international cultural exchange hub, had Grace Chan, double bass player; Isaac Lam, pianist; Melody Lau, violinist; and Emily Chan, soprano. Grace Chan was selected to participate in the Rome Chamber Music Festival's Young Artist Programme in June 2024.
Miss Li also highlighted the latest measures in the Policy Address to the Italian audiences on enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, including lowering the tariff on liquor. She elaborated that Hong Kong's distinctive advantages including an independent judiciary, a free trade and investment regime, and an efficient and clean government are kept under the "one country, two systems" principle as she encouraged Italian companies and talents to come to Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is and will remain your prime gateway to China and your most preferred partner in Asia", she added.
The ICCF is the largest Italy-China business association in Italy that facilitates collaboration between Italian and Chinese companies. The ICCF organises the annual China Awards in partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China and with the support of the China Chamber of Commerce in Italy.
HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
