Importing Personal Effects into Hong Kong: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Hong Kong Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods

• Passport copy
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• Authorized letter

• Import declaration

• If the description of the goods is shown as only electrical appliances or only clothing, an import licence may be required before clearance. A general description of used household goods and personal effects is preferred.
• Authorized letter is the letter that authorized the destination agent to handle the move on client’s behalf. This letter can be obtained from the destination agent.

Diplomatic removals

• Passport copy
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• Authorized letter

• Import declaration

• Authorized letter is the letter that authorized the destination agent to handle the move on client’s behalf. This letter can be obtained from the destination agent.

Motor-cars, motor-cycles, mopeds, power-driven boats with in-board engine

• Certificate of registration showing the dimensions of boats to be submitted to Marine Department for application of import permit within 24 hours from arrival
• Original purchase invoice
• Original insurance certificate
• De-registration certificate etc. are required
• Original registration document
• Shipping document

• Private cars :
• First registration fee is based on the following:
• Depreciation 25% per year – variable (after manufacture).
• After depreciation, the fee is calculated on the following scale: Class of Motor Vehicle Rate of Taxes (a) on the first HK$150,000. 46% (b) on the next HK$150,000 86% (c) on the next HK$200,000 115% (d) on the remainder 132%
• Motor cycles and motor tricycles: 35%
• Customs import is easy for cars & motorcycles but registration process is costly and time consuming.
• Vehicles must satisfy noise & emission standards, and be right-hand drive.
• Vehicles over 10 years - difficult to obtain Insurance Policy.
• An import permit (form number CED336) must be submitted by the owner within 30 days after vehicle arrival date.

• For reference only, the First Registration Fee is subject to the evaluation by Customs Excise Department.
• Further information can be obtained from HK Government web site: http://www.td.gov.hk/en/public services/licences a _ _ nd permits/vehicle first registration/guidelines for _ _ _ _ importation and registration of mot/index t.html _ _ _ _ _ _
• All vehicles are subject to strict regulatory inspections and high first registration taxes.
• Taxes are set to discourage the personal import of vehicles; it is highly recommended that an estimate of costs before shipping a vehicle.
• Approval / exemption from the Environmental Protection Department before shipping vehicles into Hong Kong are advised.
• Vehicles must satisfy local standards.
• Within 30 days of the importation of car/motorbike, client should file the import return (Form No.: CED336) enclosing with a Declaration Form (Form No.: CED336A) to the Customs and Excise Department or through the Motor Vehicles First Registration Tax System if client needs to use the car/motorbike in HK, fail to file the import return within 30 days of importation, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $500,000 and to imprisonment for 12 months.

Alcohol, Wine

• Detailed list showing quantity, size of bottle, type of alcohol, % of alcoholic strength and CIF value.

• Subject to payment of duties.
• Wine can be imported duty free.

• 1. Duty shall be payable on the following types of liquor at the rates, expressed as a percentage of the value (calculated in accordance with section 26A of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance), set out opposite each type of liquor: Type of Liquor Rate Liquor with an alcoholic strength of more 100% than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20c Liquor, other than wine, with an alcoholic 0% strength of not more than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20c Wine with an alcoholic strength of not 0% more than 30% by volume measured at a temperature of 20c
• 2. Where there is no or insufficient information available from which the Commissioner of Customs and Excise (or any officer authorized by him in that behalf) is able to determine the value of any quantity of liquor of less than 12 litres, imported at any time in one consignment, he may assess the duty payable on such liquor at the rate of HK$160 per litre.
• 3. Import of any type of alcohol even if duty free will likely cause Customs Exam with consequent costs & delays.
• Further information can be obtained from HK Government web site: http://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/ pdf/pdf notice/fact sheet eng.pdf. _ _ _
• These rules apply for all, diplomats included.

Dangerous goods, firearms

• Valid firearm certificate issued to the owner by the police authorities controlling the area, in which he intends to reside.

• Importation prohibited:
• Explosives, fireworks, clasp knives.

Plants, Vegetable products

• Phytosanitary certificate required.

• Import licence is required.

• 7 working days is required for application of a Plant Import Licence.

Food Items

• Non-perishable food items, packed in cans or other durable packaging, may be imported in small amounts for personal use.

Dogs, cats, birds

• Health Certificate dated not more than 14 days before departure (Certificate requirements may vary according to country of origin).

• Import licence is required.

• Importation of dogs and cats is permitted, subject to the usual quarantine in licensed and approved premises, for 1 to 6 months, depending on country of origin.

Exporting Personal Effects from Hong Kong: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Hong Kong Export Guide (PDF)

Household Goods/PE

• Shipper’s passport

Hong Kong Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Hong Kong Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport (identification pages only)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory
• Owner's full contact details in Hong Kong (address, telephone, fax number, email address)

Specific Information

No customs declaration for household goods: Because Hong Kong levies no duty on household goods, the import process is relatively straightforward compared to most jurisdictions. However, any dutiable items (alcohol above 30% ABV, tobacco) within a household goods shipment will attract duty.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials (crates, pallets) should comply with ISPM 15 standards as a general precaution, though enforcement is less stringent than in many other jurisdictions.

Duties & Taxes

Free port status: Hong Kong is a free port. All used household goods and personal effects can be imported free of duty. There are no general tariffs on imports. Excise duty is levied only on four types of dutiable commodities: liquor with alcohol content above 30% by volume, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Firearms, explosives, and ammunition (without license from Hong Kong Police) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Controlled chemicals
• Pets and animals (without AFCD Special Permit) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Meat and poultry (without permit)
• Plants and plant products (without AFCD license) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Rough diamonds (without Kimberley Process Certificate) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Counterfeit goods
• Pornographic material
• Species protected under CITES (without permit) CITES

Personal duty-free allowances (passengers aged 18+):

• 19 cigarettes (not packs)
• 1 cigar or 25 grams of cigar tobacco
• 25 grams of other manufactured tobacco
• 1 litre of alcoholic liquor with alcohol content above 30% by volume

Regulatory update (October 2024): The duty rate for spirits with an import price above HKD 200 has been reduced from 100% to 10% on the portion above HKD 200. The rate for the first HKD 200 (and for spirits priced at HKD 200 or below) remains at 100%.

Alcohol duty within household goods shipments: A detailed list showing quantity and CIF value is required. Duty treatment is as follows:

• Wine: duty-free (since 2008 exemption)
• Beer and liquor with 30% alcohol by volume or less: duty-free
• Liquor with more than 30% alcohol by volume: 100% duty on CIF value for the first HKD 200 per unit, 10% on the portion above HKD 200

Tobacco duty stamp system: Hong Kong is implementing a new duty stamp system for cigarettes. The first phase is planned for Q4 2026, with full implementation by Q2 2027.

Cash declaration: Currency (HKD 120,000 or equivalent) must be declared at customs.

Other restricted items:

• Plants and plant products (special license from AFCD required)
• Weapons and ammunition (special license from Hong Kong Police Department required)

Special Categories

• Failing to reserve quarantine space far enough in advance (12-15 month wait for Group III countries)
• Not obtaining the Special Permit from AFCD before shipping the pet
• Attempting to bring a pet in-cabin or as checked baggage (pets must enter as air cargo)
• Transit through a high-rabies country, which may affect eligibility
• Importing a banned breed or cross
• Not having the Captain's affidavit from airline personnel

• Tobacco duty-free allowance: The IAM guide (2016) states 10 cigarettes, 1 cigar or 25 grams, 25 grams other tobacco. VisaHQ states 19 cigarettes, 25 cigars, 25 grams tobacco. The official Hong Kong Customs website and the Hong Kong government's Legislative Council record confirm the current allowance is 19 cigarettes. The VisaHQ figure of "25 cigars" appears incorrect; the official figure is 1 cigar or 25 grams. The IAM guide's figure of 10 cigarettes is outdated.
• Alcohol duty on spirits: The IAM guide (2016) states 100% duty on liquor above 30% ABV. This was accurate at the time but was partially reduced in October 2024 per the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address. The current rate is 100% on the first HKD 200 import price and 10% on the portion above HKD 200.
• Vehicle first registration tax rates: The IAM guide lists specific tax brackets. These could not be independently confirmed against a current government source via this research (the Transport Department page is live but the specific rate schedule was not extracted). The rates listed are included as reported in the IAM guide and should be confirmed with the destination agent for current figures.

• The specific first registration tax bracket amounts and percentages may have changed since 2016. The Transport Department website is live but current rates should be confirmed with the destination agent.
• The quarantine waiting time of 12-15 months (from PetTravel) for Group III countries could not be independently verified against the AFCD website in this research. This may vary based on demand.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air and sea shipments.

Free port advantages: Hong Kong's free port status means household goods and personal effects clear customs relatively quickly and without duty. The main delays are associated with port handling, container availability, and dutiable items within shipments.

Dutiable items: If the shipment contains alcohol above 30% ABV or tobacco, these items must be separately declared and duty paid. This can delay clearance. Consider shipping dutiable items separately or declaring them in advance.

Ports of entry: Sea cargo arrives at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals or other terminals in Hong Kong harbour. Air cargo clears through Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok).

Vehicle imports: Given the extremely high first registration taxes and strict emissions/safety standards, contact the destination agent for a full cost assessment before shipping any vehicle. The Transport Department handles vehicle registration.

Pet imports: Must be coordinated with AFCD well in advance. The Special Permit, quarantine reservation (for Group III countries), and Captain's affidavit are all essential. Pets must arrive as air cargo.