Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette today (May 29) the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 to provide for the calculation and payment of stamp duty arising from transactions of dual-counter stocks conducted at the Renminbi (RMB) counter in RMB.
"'The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address' announced that the Government will implement the arrangement for paying the stamp duty arising from RMB counter stock transactions in RMB, which allows investors to settle both their trades and the associated stamp duty and other levies or charges in RMB at the same RMB counter. The arrangement is expected to increase the turnover and liquidity of the RMB counter, which in turn strengthens the role of RMB as an international investment currency, further consolidating Hong Kong's status as a leading offshore RMB business hub," the Government spokesperson said.
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on June 10, 2026.
Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (May 31) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.9 million.
A 31-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Koh Samui, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed in snack packaging inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
