Hong Kong, Chine #5131 (v.1)

Licensing arrangement for the export of powdered formula for infants and young children aged under 36 months

The Import and Export (General) Regulations (Cap. 60 sub. Leg. A), as amended by the Import and Export (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2013
Date of entry into force: 1 March 2013

Where breastfeeding is not feasible, powdered formula is the sole or major source of food for infants and young children aged under 36 months. To protect their health, it is important to ensure a sufficient and steady supply of powdered formula.
The licensing arrangement seeks to tackle the serious shortage of powdered formula in the Hong Kong market caused by the diversion of large quantities of such products away from the local supply chain by parallel traders. Export licences, which are in general issued to importers of powdered formula registered/exempted from registration under the Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612), must be obtained for exportation of powdered formula (except for articles in transit or transhipment cargo, or a reasonable amount for personal use). No fees are charged for licence application, and the licensing arrangement is administered on an MFN basis.
The licensing arrangement is temporary in nature. The Government has urged major suppliers of powdered formula and retail representatives to strengthen the supply chain to ensure a sufficient and steady supply of powdered formula. A review on the enhancement measures taken by the suppliers will be conducted in October 2013. Provided that the measures have been proved to be effective and sustainable, we will consider removing the licensing arrangement.
For further details, please refer to http://www.fhb.gov.hk/en/powderedformula/index.html and http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/import_export/nontextiles/powdered_formula/index.html.

HS 2012