COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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Strategic Commodities
To prevent Hong Kong from being used as a conduit for illicit trade in strategic commodities and to ensure Hong Kong's continued free access to hi-tech equipment and state-of-the-art technologies, the department works closely with the Trade and Industry Department and other agencies to monitor the import, export and re-export of strategic commodities and to detect services provided for the development and production of weapons of mass destruction. In 2000, the department investigated 231 cases of unlicensed import and export of strategic commodities and prosecuted 103 offenders, resulting in fines amounting to $2.3 million. Goods valued at $6.3 million were seized and confiscated.
Consultancy Study on Customs Cargo Clearance
The department, with the assistance of the Business and Services Promotion Unit under the Commerce and Industry Bureau, initiated a consultancy study on Customs cargo clearance requirements covering air, sea, land and intermodal transhipment in January. The objective of the study was to ensure that the Customs cargo clearance requirements and services were effective and efficient for control and enforcement purposes, whilst maintaining an open and business-friendly environment for traders. The consultancy study was completed in August and six Implementation Groups have been formed in the department to follow up the recommendations.
Electronic Data Interchange
In April, the lodgment of import and export declarations entered a new era when the department closed all manual receiving counters and all submissions are done electronically thereafter.
A project on application for and approval of Dutiable Commodities Permits through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) services is now under way. The new system, scheduled for completion in mid-2001, will assist traders in trading dutiable commodities electronically.
An EDI Manifest project is also in the pipeline. This system will enable traders to make their submission of manifest to the Government electronically. The system is scheduled for completion in 2001-02.
Copyright and Trade Marks
The department is responsible for enforcing legislation for the protection of copyright and trademarks. It investigates complaints and takes action against the manufacture, distribution, sale, import and export of pirated or counterfeit goods.
In January, copyright piracy and trade mark counterfeiting offences were included under the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, whereby Customs officers can make use of enhanced investigative and enforcement powers to combat such offences, particularly where criminal syndicates are involved. The Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2000 was enacted on July 6. Apart from making unauthorised possession of video recording equipment in cinemas, theatres or concert halls an offence, this ordinance clarified the Copyright Ordinance to put it beyond doubt that anyone who knowingly possesses an infringing copy of a copyright work for the purpose of, in the course of, or in connection with trade or business