Hong Kong Customs to publicise Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime at jewellery exhibition
Hong Kong Customs will set up a service counter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for the JGW September (Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong September), from tomorrow (September 16) for five consecutive days to publicise the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime (the Regime). Customs officers will provide on-site services to assist non-Hong Kong dealers in submitting cash transaction reports during their participation in the exhibition.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs and fulfil his/her anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing statutory obligations as appropriate.All dealers in precious metals and stones must successfully obtain a relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
For non-Hong Kong dealers fulfilling the prescribed conditions (including those who come to Hong Kong to participate in exhibitions), although they are exempt from registration, they are required to submit to Hong Kong Customs a cash transaction report for any cash transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 carried out in Hong Kong within one day after the transaction, or before the dealer or the person acting on behalf of the dealer leaves Hong Kong, whichever is earlier.
Non-Hong Kong dealers can make an online submission of a cash transaction report via the Regime's webpage atwww.drs.customs.gov.hkby accessing the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System. For details, please refer to relevant procedures.
Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form and then submit the report in person at the Hong Kong Customs' counter in the exhibition.
The Hong Kong Customs' counter (No. 1M015) is located at HKCEC Hall 1 Concourse and will be open from 10am to 6pm between September 16 and September 19 and from 10am to 5pm on September 20.
Dealers can visit therelevant website for more information about the Regime.
Hong Kong Customs to publicise Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime at jewellery exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 15) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.
The case involves a 27-year-old man who developed rash and vesicles at his genital organs and surrounding areas starting on September 6. Subsequently, he developed a fever and lymphadenopathy and the rash spread to other parts of his body (including upper limbs, right leg and trunk). As his symptoms persisted, he called the CHP's hotline on September 11 to report his health condition to the CHP staff. The CHP immediately arranged the patient to seek medical attention at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH. The patient is currently receiving isolation treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his clinical specimen tested positive for the monkeypox virus. The patient is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposures with two male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient and report the case to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 105 Mpox cases (83 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Since this August, the number of Mpox cases in Hong Kong has seen an increase. As of today, 21 cases have been recorded this year, including 16 local cases and five imported cases. Among them, 12 are new cases reported since August. Epidemiological investigations showed that among the 12 recently identified cases, all patients self-identified as men who have sex with men or bisexual men. No epidemiological links were found between the cases. All patients reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour during the incubation period, including having sex with male strangers or having sex without a condom. In eight of these cases, patients reported using dating applications to find sexual partners. The CHP has sent a letter to doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them to be vigilant for Mpox cases and to provide relevant recommendations regarding Mpox vaccination to high-risk individuals.
The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
- individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
- healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
- laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
- animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.
High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.
Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.
For more details, please visit the CHP's webpages on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.
The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image
