Hong Kong Government Seeks Input on Digitalising B2B Trade Documents Through New Consultation Paper

Government launches industry consultation on proposed legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of business-to-business trade documents

The Government published a consultation paper today (December 29) to gather industry opinions on the proposed legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of "Business-to-Business" (B2B) trade documents in Hong Kong.

International trade involves presentment or submission of various trade documents, including "Business-to-Government" (B2G) documents (such as import and export declarations, cargo manifests and various licences or permits) and B2B documents (such as bills of lading and bills of exchange). While the trade may already submit most of the B2G trade documents through the Government Electronic Trading Services and the Trade Single Window, transactions involving certain B2B trade documents still rely largely on paper-based means due to legal requirements and industry practice. As technology advances, the digitalisation of these documents has emerged as a new trend.

As announced in the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address, the Government will make reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and consider legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of trade documents. Upon careful consideration by relevant authorities, the consultation paper outlines and seeks industry opinions on the proposed framework to amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) (ETO) and relevant legislation for implementing MLETR provisions, covering various key aspects including the scope of application, assessment of reliability and operational requirements.

The legislative amendments will provide the legal basis for the use of electronic transferable records, which are the electronic version of transferable documents or instruments. Suitable MLETR provisions will be codified into the ETO as far as practicable, with a view to aligning with international standards and promote cross-border interoperability.

A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said, "The Government endeavours to maintain a business-friendly environment to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in international trade. Digitalisation of B2B trade documents may reduce processing time and costs, enhance transparency and integrity, and facilitate international trade. We hope that the legislative proposal would empower the industry to develop technical solutions that suit their actual needs, thereby further enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial, maritime and trade centre."

The consultation paper is available on the CEDB website (www.cedb.gov.hk). Stakeholders are welcome to submit their views to the Government through email (MLETR_consultation@cedb.gov.hk), fax (2147 3065) or post (Division 4, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong) on or before March 27, 2026.

Source: AI-found images

Adjusted fixed penalties for traffic contraventions to take effect on January 1, 2026

The Government today (December 29) reminds members of the public that the fixed penalties for illegal parking and 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion have been adjusted and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The resolution to increase such fixed penalties (including the effective date) was passed by the Legislative Council on July 30. The relevant traffic contraventions and the adjusted penalty charges are as follows:

• The fixed penaltyfor illegal parking offences under the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap. 237) will be increased from $320 to $400; and

• Fixed penalties for 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance (Cap. 240) will be increased from the current range of $320 to $1,000 to a revised range of $480 to $1,500 (see details in the Annex).

The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "The fixed penalties for illegal parking and many traffic contraventions have remained unchanged for 31 years. Compared with other jurisdictions, Hong Kong's current penalty levels are significantly lower, and their deterrent effect has gradually diminished due to inflation. To address the persistent - and in some cases rising - trend of traffic contraventions, measured adjustments to the relevant penalty charges will help enhance road safety and traffic flows. At the same time, the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen publicity and education efforts on road safety."

Photo source: reference image of the Hong Kong Police Force