Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Document shipments from Canada enter Hong Kong duty-free providing
they have no commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale.
Items considered to be documents include:
- Advertising literature, brochures, and pamphlets
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints and drawings
- Books
- Business cards
- Calendars and diaries
- Cash letters, cheques, and credit cards
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and graphs
- Computer print-outs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Magazines, periodicals, and newspapers
- Manuscripts and publications
- Maps
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Paper
- Passports
- Photographs
- Slides and transparencies
- Specifications sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped as documents if they abide by the
conditions listed
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes | Only if they are blank |
| Forms | Only if they are blank |
| Manuals | Only if they are of technical nature |
| Newsletters | Only if they are company newsletters |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en
Shipping Gifts
Gift shipments to Hong Kong from Canada may enter the territory
duty-free.
Gifts of a personal nature where no payment is or is to be made by the
receiver thereof are exempted articles as stipulated in the Import and
Export (Registration) Regulations.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipped to an individual in Hong Kong from an individual in
Canada will be a duty-free shipment.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Hong Kong
may enter duty-free.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Hong Kong
may enter the territory duty-free.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment contains multiple gifts, wrap and tag each one
separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/Book_2018_IEDC.pdf
Shipping Personal Effects
Shipping personal effects to Hong Kong from Canada will incur no duty
or taxes; however, they will be required to clear customs like
general cargo.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving temporarily to Hong Kong from Canada to study may ship
their personal effects duty-free.
Non-Students
Anyone moving to Hong Kong temporarily from Canada may ship their
personal effects duty-free.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Hong Kong from Canada, you may
ship your personal effects duty-free.
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/cargo_clearance/personal/index.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Shipments of food to Hong Kong are regulated to ensure hygienic and
health standards; therefore, they typically require a licence.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Meat and meat products
- Milk and dairy products
- Rice
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.pwchk.com/en/tax/reference-guide-customs-trade.pdf
https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/prohibited_articles/imports/food/index.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples with a value of $1,000 HKD or less (about $165
CAD) may be shipped to Hong Kong duty-free. They are shipped to
promote products and encourage sales.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/Book_2018_IEDC.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising material shipped from Canada may enter Hong Kong duty-free
providing it is clearly marked as advertising and no payment has been
made for its entry into Hong Kong.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/Book_2018_IEDC.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
There is limited information at this time regarding shipping equipment
for repairs to Hong Kong.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are
repaired in Hong Kong and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If you send an item to Hong Kong for repair that is no longer under
warranty, GST will be charged upon its return to Canada. GST will
be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for
the repair and on any duties incurred.
Sending Product for Repair to Hong Kong
There is limited information at this time regarding shipping equipment
for repairs to Hong Kong.
Returning Repaired Product to Hong Kong
Hong Kong does not levy duty or taxes on imports.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Hong Kong or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Temporary imports shipped to Hong Kong from Canada for display at
exhibitions, fairs, meetings, and trade shows may enter
duty-free providing:
- They are returned to Canada once the exhibition has ended
- The goods are not sold or otherwise remain in Hong Kong afterwards
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Hong Kong,
you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the
following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More
details are shown in the table.
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of
temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can,
however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be
able to guide you along. You can also find more information here:`
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they
undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 6 months in Hong Kong
NOTES:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will
be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature
(FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/Book_2018_IEDC.pdf
https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/cargo_clearance/ata/index.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Sold goods shipped to Hong Kong from Canada may enter the territory
free of customs duty; however, they will require customs
clearance.
Occasional Shipper
As Hong Kong does not have a VAT and imposes no customs tariffs on
imports, sold goods may enter the territory duty-free.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Hong Kong from Canada, we
recommend the use of a licenced customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.tid.gov.hk/english/import_export/ie_policy.html
https://www.customs.gov.hk/filemanager/common/pdf/Book_2018_IEDC.pdf
https://parcel.upu.org/Published%20Documents/Parcel_Compendium_HK_HKA_EN.pdf
https://www.pwchk.com/en/tax/reference-guide-customs-trade.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Kom-tong Ho
7 Castle Rd.
Mid-Levels
Central
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2367 6373 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Questions
about Shipping to Hong Kong
Can I ship to Hong Kong?
Shipping to Hong Kong from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Hong Kong by getting a quote now.
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