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Major amendments to trade classification system in 1996
The Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification List (Harmonised System) will (HKIECL) 1992 Edition, used mainly for import and export declaration purposes, undergo major amendments as from January 1, 1996, the Customs and Excise Department announced today (Thursday).
The Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification List (Harmonised System) is devised on the basis of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System developed by the World Customs Organisation. Hong Kong has adopted this system in full since 1992.
In 1993, the World Customs Organisation recommended some 400 sets of amendments to the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System. Contracting parties to the International Convention of this system are required to adopt these amendments as from January 1, 1996.
To ensure that Hong Kong's classification system continues to be compatible with those of its major trading partners, Hong Kong will also implement the amendments recommended by World Customs Organisation as from January 1, 1996.
A 1996 edition of the classification list incorporating the amendments has been published for traders' use.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said it was a legal requirement for every person in Hong Kong to lodge accurate and complete declarations within 14 days after importation and exportation of goods.
As from January 1, 1996, importers and exporters should provide commodity item code numbers in accordance with the 1996 edition of the classification list when lodging import or export declarations.
While the Customs and Excise Department enforces the legal requirements relating to import and export declarations, the Census and Statistics Department is the department which designs and modifies the commodity classification system in accordance with the recommendations of the World Customs Organisation.
The Census and Statistics Department is also responsible for processing trade data reported on declarations to produce trade statistics which serve as one of the major economic indicators of Hong Kong.