A free port, with declarations
Import / Export Business Setup in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a free port with no general import duty. That does not mean no paperwork.
GCC business setup specialists
Free port, not free of obligations
There is no general customs duty, which is why Hong Kong works as a trading hub. What does apply is trade declaration requirements, licensing for controlled goods, and dutiable commodities on a short list.
- Free port position explained accurately
- Controlled goods licensing identified before you ship
- Trade declaration obligations covered
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What trading involves
Beyond incorporation
Lighter than most jurisdictions, but not nothing.
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Business Registration | Required for every business, trading included. |
| Trade declaration | Import and export declarations are required within set periods. |
| No general import duty | Hong Kong is a free port; duty applies only to dutiable commodities. |
| Controlled goods licensing | Strategic commodities, pharmaceuticals and others require licences. |
| Dutiable commodities | A short list attracts excise duty. |
| Documentation | Invoice, packing list and transport documents, consistent with each other. |
Trade declaration, licensing and dutiable commodity rules are set by the Hong Kong authorities and change. Your requirements are confirmed before the first shipment.
How it works
Getting trade-ready
Usually quick, unless your goods are controlled.
01
Goods and route
What you move, from where and to whom, and whether any of it is controlled or dutiable.
02
Register and set up
Incorporation and Business Registration completed, with trade declaration arrangements in place.
03
Licences and first shipment
Licences obtained where goods are controlled, documentation set up consistently and the first shipment supported.
- Business Registration Certificate
- Product list with HS classifications
- Whether any goods are strategic commodities
- Whether any goods are dutiable
- Licences for controlled goods
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificates of origin where required
- Trade declaration arrangements
- Supplier and customer agreements
- Storage and logistics arrangements
- Insurance for goods in transit
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Structure recommendation for a trading business
- Incorporation and Business Registration
- Identification of controlled or dutiable goods
- Guidance on trade declaration obligations
- Co-ordination of licence applications
- Guidance on documentation consistency
- Corporate bank account introduction
- Filing calendar set
Not included, quoted separately
- Government fees and duties, paid at cost
- Freight, shipping and insurance
- Warehousing and storage
- Licence application fees
- Customs brokerage and clearance
- Product testing and certification
- Per-shipment declarations, quoted separately
- Regulated filings, made by the licensed local provider
Verify independently
Official Hong Kong authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Inland Revenue DepartmentImmigration DepartmentLabour DepartmentMandatory Provident Fund Schemes AuthorityCustoms and Excise DepartmentFood and Environmental Hygiene Department
Questions
Hong Kong import and export — FAQs
Is Hong Kong really duty-free for imports?
There is no general import duty, which is what makes it a trading hub. A short list of dutiable commodities is the exception.
Do I still need to declare shipments?
Yes. Import and export trade declarations are required within set periods, and penalties apply for late filing.
Which goods need licences?
Strategic commodities, pharmaceuticals, certain foods and others. We check your specific product list rather than generalising.
Do I need a special trading licence?
No. Business Registration covers you; licensing applies only to controlled goods.
What usually causes problems?
Late trade declarations, and goods turning out to be controlled when nobody checked before shipping.
Go deeper
More Hong Kong services
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