PUBLIC FINANCE AND TAXATION
Import and Excise Duties
Hong Kong has no general tariff and no duty is charged on exports of any kind. Five groups of commodities imported into the Colony for local con- sumption attract duty, under the Dutiable Commodities. Ordinance (Cap. 109). These are liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oils, toilet preparations and proprietary medicines, and table waters. Where these commo- dities are produced in the Colony they also attract duty at similar rates provided they are consumed in the Colony.
A preferential rate of duty for liquor of Empire origin is levied at approximately 80% of the rate for non-Empire produce. Locally-produced beer is allow- ed a further preferential margin on Empire beer. These rates vary from $1.15 per Imperial gallon on locally-brewed beer to $55 per Imperial gallon for non- Empire brandy and liqueurs.
The scale of duties on imported tobacco ranges from $3 per lb. on Chinese prepared tobacco to $7 per lb. on cigars of non-Empire origin. Preferential rates are granted to tobacco of Empire origin and manufacture.
Duty on light oils is 80 cents per gallon. For heavy oils the rates vary from $104 per ton for heavy diesel oil for road vehicles, to $24 per ton for furnace oil and 10 cents per gallon for other kinds of heavy oils.
Duty is payable on toilet preparations and proprietary medicines at the rate of 25% of the f.o.b. prices ex shipping port for imported goods and 25% of the selling prices ex factory.
Table waters attract duty at 48 cents per Imperial gallon.
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