XN000022-1973-04-30 — Page 3

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Monday, April 30, 1973

The spokesman explained that the surveillance export licensing scheme

is the result. Under it, the Director of Commerce and Industry will have

powers to refuse the issue of an export licence to a manufacturer in respect

of a particular product which has been the subject of a justified overseas

complaint, or which has been proved to the satisfaction of the Director to

be dangerous or unhygienic.

"This authority will only be exercised in serious cases and where

a manufacturer who has been advised to correct defects in his products has

failed to do so," the spokesman said.

Standards of health and safety, based on criteria applied in Hong

Kong's main import markets, may be used to determine the suitability of

products for export licensing. In the case of foodstuffs, it is the intention

to require all Hong Kong origin foodstuffs exported under Hoence to have been

produced in premises registered for the purpose with the Urban Services

Department.

The spokesman said it was not anticipated that the new licensing

requirements would pose particular difficulties for manufacturers and exporters.

In normal circumstances, licences will, as at present, be approved and available

for issue within 24 hours of receipt of the applications.

He said the trade had been advised of the system and that the Import

and Export (General) Regulations were now being amended.

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