Hong Kong Hosts Regional Conference to Advance Smart Customs and Digital Transformation in Asia/Pacific

Hong Kong Customs hosts landmark regional conference to drive future of Smart Customs

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). The conference gathered key global stakeholders to advance the digital transformation of Customs administrations.

With the support of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, this inaugural large-scale regional workshop on Smart Customs brought together over 200 representatives from the WCO, global Customs administrations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat and the innovation and technology sector.

The opening ceremony of the conference on March 11 was officiated by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei.

In his opening address, Mr Tang underscored the vital role of Smart Customs in supporting A/P region's dynamic trade flows and addressing transnational challenges. He highlighted four key pillars of Smart Customs initiatives in the region, namely data driven intelligence, digital single window trade, intelligent inspection, and multilateral connectivity, citing Hong Kong Customs' AI-driven video analytics system "WiseShield" and Project "ValidAP" as examples of innovation. He called for harmonised digital standards, bridging the digital divide and stronger public-private co-operation to ensure growth and resilient supply chains.

In his welcoming remarks as the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, Mr Chan said the conference aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance co-operation for Smart Customs development in the A/P region. He outlined HongKongCustoms' transformative initiatives, including the application of AI, blockchain, and big data, and emphasised that the success of SmartCustoms relies on mutual trust, partnership and collaboration. HongKongCustoms is committed to advancing digitalisation of Customs practices, strengthening global trade connectivity and building resilient supply chains.

The conference featured a series of presentations and panel discussions that facilitated a robust exchange of experiences and best practices. Delegates also participated in field visits to Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao to observe firsthand the three Customs authorities' application of innovative technologies in their operations.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to drive the Smart Customs agenda, leveraging technology and partnership to create a more efficient, secure, and connected future for global trade.

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows representatives of different sectors attending a panel discussion session. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows innovation and technology companies setting up booths to showcase their latest technologies during the conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first row, eighth left); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first row, eighth right); the Deputy Commissioner (Management and Strategic Development) of Customs and Excise, Mr Rudy Hui (first row, seventh right); the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (first row, sixth right), and other representatives from different sectors. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (centre); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (left); and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (right), officiating at the opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei, setting the tone of the conference during the opening ceremony and establishing the direction and key focus of the discussions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, delivering his opening remarks at the conference on March 11. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, delivering his welcoming remarks at the conference on March 11. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling

Hong Kong Customs shut down an underground cigarette factory in Fanling yesterday (April 9), and seized about 31.92 tons of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco and 1.23 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarette. The total estimated market value of all seizure was about $220 million, while the duty potential was about $130 million. Six persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

After in-depth investigation, Customs Officers identified a large metal hut in Ping Che, Fanling. Customs raided the metal hut yesterday morning and found a complete illegal cigarette production line which included machines for producing and packaging illicit cigarettes, a large amount of raw materials used for manufacturing illicit cigarettes and finished illicit cigarette products. Five men and one woman, aged between 21 and 52, were arrested at the scene.

The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source of the batch of raw materials of the illicit cigarettes and the production line-related machines. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs reminds members of the public that they must be vigilant when purchasing cigarettes. They should patronise reputable merchants or stores and not purchase cigarettes from unknown sources to avoid threats to their health.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), a person shall not, except under and in accordance with a licence, manufacture tobacco. Besides, any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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 shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases