8. Main Heads of Taxation.-The largest item of revenue is derived from the assessment tax, the sum of $5,976,160 being collected in 1936. This represents 19.89% of the total revenue or 20.07% of the revenue exclusive of land sales. The rates vary from 15% to 17% on the annual value of property and are for police, lighting and water services, etc. Port and Harbour Dues comprising Light Dues and Buoy Dues brought in the sum of $638,284.
9. Duties on intoxicating liquors realized $2,080,765, tobacco $4,066,519, postage stamps and message fees $2,058,886. A considerable sum is also derived from the opium monopoly, land revenue, stamp duties including estate duties and other fees. Land Sales during the year realized $269,230. The receipts of the Kowloon-Canton Railway which was completed in 1910 amounted to $1,245,469.
10. Customs Tariff.-There is an import tariff on all liquor, tobacco and light oils imported into the Colony for sale or use therein. There is no export tariff. The sale of opium is a Government Monopoly, and all importation of opium other than by the Government is prohibited. The importation of Dangerous Drugs is regulated in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention. Arms, ammunition, explosives and dangerous goods are subject to the normal Harbour and Police Regulations in regard to storage and movement. A special Foreign Registration fee of 20% of the value of a motor vehicle is payable in respect of any vehicle not produced within the British Empire.
11. The duties on imported liquor range from $0.80 per gallon on beer to $1.50 on Chinese liquor and to $13 on sparkling European wines. A 50% reduction in duty is allowed in respect of brandy grown or produced within the British Empire.
12. The duties on tobacco range from $0.90 per lb. on the lowest taxed unmanufactured tobacco to $2.60 per lb. on cigars. A reduction in duty is allowed to tobacco of Empire origin and/or of Empire manufacture.
13. A duty of 30 cents per gallon is payable on all light oils imported into the Colony.
14. Excise and Stamp Duties.-A reduction in duty is allowed on beer and Chinese type spirits manufactured in the Colony.
15. Stamp Duties are imposed on various instruments and where a consideration is involved are mainly ad valorem. The following are examples of the duties charged:-Affidavits, Statutory Declaration, etc., $3; Bills of Exchange (inward) and Cheques, 10 cents; Bills of Lading, 15 cents when freight under $5, 40 cents when freight $5 or over; Bond to secure the payment or repayment of money, 20 cents for every $100 or part thereof.