Month: June 2026

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Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 gazetted today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government today (June 12) gazetted the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the 2026 Bill) to reform the rule against hearsay in criminal proceedings.

According to the common law rule against hearsay (hearsay rule), hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in criminal proceedings unless it falls within one of the common law or statutory exceptions to the rule. The hearsay rule has been criticised over the years for being too strict and inflexible, and for excluding hearsay evidence even if it is cogent and reliable, which can result in injustice. The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) published a report on “Hearsay in Criminal Proceedings” in November 2009, recommending that the relevant rule be reformed by way of a detailed legislative scheme.

The Government previously introduced the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2018 (the 2018 Bill) to implement the recommendations of the LRC. However, the 2018 Bill lapsed due to insufficient time to complete the legislative process by the end of the term of office of the sixth-term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Department of Justice (DoJ) subsequently conducted a comprehensive review. After re-examining the LRC’s recommendations and carefully considering the views received in the 2017 consultation exercise and the deliberations of LegCo on the 2018 Bill, together with the latest legal and policy developments, the DoJ has put forward the 2026 Bill for introduction into LegCo.

The new regime under the 2026 Bill generally applies to criminal proceedings, but does not apply to cases concerning national security. Apart from preserved common law exceptions and other statutory exceptions, hearsay evidence may be admitted if both the prosecution and the defence agree, if no party opposes its admission, or, in the event of opposition, if the court grants permission upon certain conditions being satisfied. These conditions include necessity (for example, where a witness is unfit to testify because of the witness’s physical or mental condition), threshold reliability (the court will holistically consider various factors to ensure that the reliability of the evidence is reasonably assured), and that the probative value of the hearsay evidence is greater than any prejudicial effect it may have.

A spokesman for the DoJ said, “Compared with the 2018 Bill, the 2026 Bill introduces a number of improvements, including conferring on the court greater procedural discretion and refining the mechanism for the exclusion of hearsay evidence admitted with the court’s permission. These measures not only provide robust protection for the defendant’s right to a fair trial, but also meet the court’s need to ascertain the truth, thereby enabling appropriate reform of Hong Kong’s criminal evidence law.”

In December 2025, the DoJ issued a consultation paper together with a draft of the 2026 Bill to various stakeholders, including the Judiciary, legal professional bodies, and university law schools, for consultation. The stakeholders in general supported the legislative proposal. The DoJ also briefed the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services in March this year on the consultation exercise and policy aspects of the Bill, with members of the Panel indicating their support.

The 2026 Bill will be introduced into LegCo for first reading on June 24.

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Medical gases to be regulated as pharmaceutical products starting from June 14

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) reminded the trade that medical gases will be regulated as pharmaceutical products starting from Sunday (June 14). All companies involved in the manufacture, wholesale or retail sale of medical gases must obtain the relevant drug dealer’s licence(s) in accordance with the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) in order to operate lawfully. In addition, medical gases must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in Hong Kong, ensuring that the products meet the required standards of safety, efficacy and quality.

Any person who illegally possesses or sells pharmaceutical products or prescription drugs that are not registered under the Ordinance, or who operates the manufacture or wholesale of pharmaceutical products without the relevant licence, commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.

Drug retailers that only engage in the retail sale of medical gases that are not specified in the Poisons List under the Ordinance (such as medical oxygen), are not required to hold a retail licence.

The Board decided on June 14, 2024, that medical gases should be regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and nitric oxide should be regulated as prescription drugs. A two-year preparation period has been provided to the trade for obtaining the relevant licences and registering their related products.

Since 2024, the DH has maintained ongoing communication with the trade and stakeholders regarding the new regulatory arrangements, including sending letters to medical gas and pharmaceutical traders, healthcare professional organisations, healthcare facilities and other relevant stakeholders, reminding them to make early preparations. In addition, the DH has provided the pharmaceutical industry with guidelines to help them understand and comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

A list of local licensed traders dealing with medical gases and a list of medical gases registered as pharmaceutical products have been uploaded to the DH’s Drug Office website. The DH reminded the industry to purchase relevant pharmaceutical products from licensed dealers in future in order to safeguard product quality and public safety.

Members of the public can visit the DH’s website for more information and frequently asked questions on the regulation of medical gases, relevant licences and application details.

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Appointments to Council on Human Reproductive Technology announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Council on Human Reproductive Technology announced 
     Established in 2001 under the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology is tasked with regulating reproductive technology activities, including regulating the provision of reproductive technology procedures and embryo research, in Hong Kong through a licensing system, and formulating the Code of Practice for the relevant sectors.————–
Professor Raymond Liang Hin-suen————————-
Professor Wong Man-sau———–
Mr Philip Chiu Kwok-leung 
Ms Eva Choi Doi-kwan
Professor Chow Ka-ming
Mr James Mathew Fong
Dr Go Wing-wa
Ms Iris Hsu Mei-kuen
Mr Frederick Hui Cheuk-kit
Dr May Lam Mei-ling
Ms Lau Tsz-on
Dr Leung Kwok-yin
Reverend Leung Yuen-yiu
Mr Jeffrey Lo Cheuk-fei
Mr Ng Chak-hang
Professor Ernest Ng Hung-yu
Reverend Ng Sui-lung
Ms Ng Wing-wing
Dr Charas Ong Yeu-theng
Ms Vanessa Wan Lai-shan
Professor Dennis Wong Sing-wing
Ms Yip Lai-wa
Principal Assistant Secretary, Health Bureau
Assistant Director, Department of Health
Assistant Director, Home Affairs Department
Chief Social Work Officer, Social Welfare Department
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Hong Kong Customs and Fire Services Department shut down two illegal fuelling stations

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department (FSD) mounted a territory-wide blitz operation targeting illicit fuel activities on June 10. During the operation, officers of the two departments detected two related cases and seized about 3 200 litres of illicit motor spirit, with an estimated market value of about $104,000 and a duty potential of about $20,000. Two persons were arrested, and one vehicle connected with one of the cases was also seized.

In the afternoon on June 10, during a joint anti-illicit fuel operation in Tung Chung, officers of Customs and the FSD raided an illegal fuelling station at Shek Lau Po and seized about 1 600l of illicit motor spirit and a batch of oil filling equipment. The case is under investigation. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

In the evening on the same day, Customs and FSD officers continued the joint operation in Kwai Chung and raided an illegal mobile fuelling station at the roadside of Kwai Tai Road. About 1 600l of illicit motor spirit, a batch of oil filling equipment and a lorry connected with the case were seized. Two non-local men, aged 57 and 33, were arrested. They were suspected to be the operator of the illegal fuelling station and the driver of the lorry used to transport illicit motor spirit respectively.

They were suspected of dealing with illicit fuel, violating various ordinances including the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) (Cap. 109) and the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, and have been charged with dealing with goods to which the DCO (Cap. 109) applies. 

According to the DCO, any vehicle found conveying illicit motor spirit, as well as any tools, equipment, or articles used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of related offences, shall be liable to forfeiture whether or not any person is convicted of any offence. Anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

​Under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, it is an offence to possess or control any controlled substance for the business purpose of transferring it into vehicle fuel tanks. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance also provides that no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use any dangerous goods unless they possess a licence or exemption granted. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the first offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months. For each subsequent offence, the maximum penalty will be a $200,000 fine and imprisonment for one year.
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Customs and the FSD will continue to take enforcement action against illicit fuel activities. Members of the public may report suspected illicit fuel activities via the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or the FSD’s 24-hour hotline 5577 9666. The public may also report through the Illicit Fuelling Activities on the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal of the FSD (fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hk).

                 

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Public engagement exercise for feasibility study on proposed Coastal Protection Park at Tsim Bei Tsui, Lau Fau Shan and Pak Nai launched

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government launched today (June 12) a dedicated webpage for the public engagement exercise on the feasibility study on the proposed Coastal Protection Park (CPP) at Tsim Bei Tsui, Lau Fau Shan and Pak Nai, inviting views from the public and various sectors of the community.

The main functions of the proposed CPP are to conserve the natural coastline and the nearshore mangrove and marsh habitats in these areas; to protect the important coastal ecosystem and biodiversity to serve as the feeding, roosting and breeding habitats for waterbirds and other wetland wildlife; to preserve the natural landscape of Deep Bay coastal areas; to provide opportunities for eco-recreation; and to support the existing pond fish culture and oyster farming.

 The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department commissioned a consultant to take forward the feasibility study on the proposed CPP in December 2024. The feasibility study covers recommendations of the CPP boundaries, baseline reviews, proposed usages, management strategies, conceptual plans and relevant technical feasibility assessments. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The consultant will take into account views collected during the public engagement exercise when preparing the final recommendations for submission to the Government.

The public engagement exercise will end on July 31, 2026. During this period, the relevant departments will conduct briefing sessions and meetings with relevant stakeholders to seek their views. Members of the public are welcome to visit the dedicated webpage for the public engagement exercise (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_cpp/con_mar_cpp.html) to review the preliminary recommendations under the feasibility study and submit their views by email (myviews_cpp@afcd.gov.hk).

  

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Marine parks 30th anniversary “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore” series celebration events

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Marine parks 30th anniversary “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore” series celebration events (with photos/video)      
     From now until December this year, the AFCD will organise a wide range of marine parks 30th anniversary celebration events under the theme of “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore”. Through roving exhibitions, ecotours, workshops and various experiential activities, the AFCD will introduce Hong Kong’s rich marine biodiversity and years of conservation achievements to the public, and encourage the public to experience the natural beauty of marine parks and actively participate in marine conservation.
      
     The “Marine Parks 30th Anniversary” Roving Exhibition showcases the history and conservation journey of marine parks and marine reserve over the years. It also promotes responsible marine life appreciation practices and sustainable marine recreational activities. The exhibition features information panels, interactive installations such as virtual reality experiences, photo spots, and marine conservation booths. On weekends, free public workshops such as marine wildlife illustration, coral reef clay-making, seashell upcycling, and fishing net weaving experiences will be held to bring marine conservation education closer to the community.
      
     In addition, the AFCD, in collaboration with partner organisations, will launch various ecotours, including glass-bottom boat tours in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, coral-safe snorkelling tours, and Chinese White Dolphin tours. All activities are free of charge. Through hands-on experiences, the public will be encouraged to explore and cherish the ocean in a friendly, responsible, and sustainable manner.
      
     For details of the events and registration, please visit the marine parks 30th anniversary webpage
     (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_wha/cou_vis_mar_cel.html      
     Since the establishment of the first batch of marine parks and the marine reserve in 1996, the AFCD has been committed to implementing various conservation measures. Currently, Hong Kong has designated eight marine parks and one marine reserve, covering a total area of 8 517 hectares, which are crucial for maintaining the marine biodiversity of Hong Kong waters. The marine parks in the eastern waters of Hong Kong are renowned for their coral communities, particularly Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, where Hong Kong’s overall coral diversity surpasses that of the Caribbean. In the western waters, the North Lantau Marine Park, the Brothers Marine Park, together with the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve form a network of protected areas for conserving Chinese White Dolphins. Over the past 30 years, these marine protected areas have played a vital role in nature conservation, public education, and scientific research, effectively preserving and sustaining precious marine ecological resources.
Issued at HKT 17:20

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Immigration Department repatriates 35 Vietnamese illegal immigrants and overstayers to Vietnam

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Immigration Department repatriates 35 Vietnamese illegal immigrants and overstayers to Vietnam  
     The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
 
     The ImmD will continue to explore different feasible solutions to expedite the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants, and will actively co-ordinate with relevant authorities to optimise repatriation routes and the operation process. The ImmD will actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.
Issued at HKT 15:58

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CFS announces results of seasonal food surveillance on rice dumplings

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CFS announces results of seasonal food surveillance on rice dumplings (with photo)————————
* Buy rice dumplings from reliable outlets;
* When purchasing non-prepackaged rice dumplings, choose those that are securely wrapped in wrapping leaves; and
* When purchasing prepackaged rice dumplings, check the expiry date and whether the packaging is intact.—————————–
* Buy wrapping leaves from reliable suppliers and avoid leaves that are unnaturally bright green or with chemical odours;
* Wash hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food; and
* Handle raw and cooked food separately to avoid cross-contamination.—————————————
* Consume rice dumplings as soon as possible and avoid prolonged storage;
* Both the glutinous rice and the stuffing should be well covered until the rice dumplings are unwrapped. Do not come into direct contact with the strings upon cooking to prevent contamination at all times.
* Store rice dumplings at 4 degrees Celsius or below, or store them properly according to the instructions on the package if they are not consumed or cooked immediately;
* Keep cooked rice dumplings that are not consumed immediately in a covered container and put them in the upper compartment of the refrigerator. Keep raw food in the lower compartment to prevent cross-contamination;
* Reheat rice dumplings thoroughly until the core temperature reaches 75 degrees C or above before consumption;
* Do not reheat rice dumplings more than once; and
* Consume reheated rice dumplings as soon as possible.—————————-
* Wash hands with running water and liquid soap, and rub for at least 20 seconds before consumption; and
* Reduce seasonings such as soy sauce or granulated sugar during consumption.Issued at HKT 15:00

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Marine Department to launch two new incentive schemes in relation to green maritime fuel-related vessels to promote green transformation of shipping industry

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Marine Department to launch two new incentive schemes in relation to green maritime fuel-related vessels to promote green transformation of shipping industry 
     The International Maritime Organization has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in international shipping by around 2050. To leverage the trend of decarbonisation in the international shipping industry, the Government has committed in the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated in November 2024 the provision of various financial incentives to help lower the cost of transitioning to green maritime fuels by the maritime industry and expedite the development of Hong Kong as a green port. In this year’s Budget, the Government has allocated approximately $34 million to implement relevant initiatives, including providing port dues concessions for vessels powered by green maritime fuels as well as those carrying green maritime fuels, and offering incentives for green fuel-powered vessels registered in Hong Kong.
 
     The Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels provides concessions for green maritime fuel-related vessels, including ocean-going vessels (OGVs) powered by or bunkering specified green maritime fuels in Hong Kong, and OGVs carrying green maritime fuels for supply in Hong Kong. Specified green maritime fuels covered under the Scheme refer to liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and bio-diesel (blended with at least 20 per cent bio-fuel). Eligible OGVs conducting specified operation(s) throughout their stay in Hong Kong may apply for a reimbursement of their port dues (including port facilities and light dues, anchorage dues, buoy dues and fees for port clearance permits) paid in accordance with the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A). The amount of the incentive is equivalent to 25 per cent or 50 per cent of the port dues paid.
 
     Eligible shipowners or their agents must submit the application form together with the required supporting documents to the MD within three months of their vessels’ completion of the above operation(s) in and departure from Hong Kong. The approved incentive amount will generally be disbursed within 30 working days. The amounts of incentives applicable to different types of OGVs are set out in the Annex.
 
     A spokesman for the MD said, “Following the launch of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme last year, the new initiative further provides incentives to encourage the industry to adopt green maritime fuels, which are often more expensive than traditional fuels, and to build up demand for green maritime fuel bunkering services in Hong Kong early. This will in turn attract other players in the green maritime fuel bunkering supply chain, such as bunker suppliers, bunker operators and traders, to establish and expand their operations in Hong Kong. We expect this scheme to attract more than 1 000 visits to Hong Kong by green maritime fuel-related vessels.”
 
     Meanwhile, the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme provides incentives to green fuel-powered vessels currently or newly registered in the Hong Kong Shipping Registry (HKSR), thereby attracting and retaining the registration of green vessels in Hong Kong.
 
     Under the scheme, all Hong Kong-registered ships that use green maritime fuels as their primary propulsion fuel, which include LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen but exclude conventional fuels and biofuels, will be eligible to apply. During the three-year period of the scheme, each eligible vessel will be provided with a subsidy of HK$60,000 once every year, and may enjoy one or at most three years’ incentives depending on the timing and duration that the vessel is registered with the HKSR. Each vessel is eligible to receive a maximum subsidy of HK$180,000. Approval and disbursement of the incentives will take approximately three months from the receipt of an application with all required supporting documents. The vessel’s Hong Kong registration status must be maintained on the date the incentive is disbursed.
 
     The spokesman said, “This scheme will encourage vessels using green maritime fuels to register in Hong Kong and promote the green transformation of the Hong Kong fleet, which will further enhance the overall competitiveness of the HKSR. We estimate that this scheme will attract approximately 100 vessels powered by green maritime fuels to register with the HKSR. Alongside the vessels powered by green maritime fuels currently registered in Hong Kong, we expect that around 170 such vessels registered in Hong Kong will benefit from the scheme within three years of implementation.”
 
     The spokesman added, “‘Low-carbon’ and ‘decarbonisation’ will be the inevitable focal points of the shipping industry’s future development. At present, Hong Kong leads the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in bunker volume, ranking second nationally and seventh globally. We are committed to leveraging our existing strengths to fully develop our green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities, with an aim to establish Hong Kong as a premier hub for high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre.”
 
     For details of the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels and the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme, please visit the MD’s webpages (www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/forms/pdf/md558.pdfIssued at HKT 14:30

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Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Preferential Tax Regimes for Funds, Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles and Carried Interest) Bill 2026 gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government published in the Gazette today (June 12) the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Preferential Tax Regimes for Funds, Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles and Carried Interest) Bill 2026 to enhance the preferential tax regimes for privately offered funds, family-owned investment holding vehicles (FIHVs) managed by eligible single family offices and carried interest, with a view to attracting more funds and family offices to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

The Bill covers amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance in areas such as: (i) expanding the definition of “fund”; (ii) expanding the scope of qualifying investments; (iii) removing the 5 per cent threshold requirement for incidental transactions; (iv) relaxing the tax exemption treatment for special purpose entities (SPEs) and family-owned SPEs; and (v) introducing a series of enhancement measures to the tax regime for carried interest. The Bill will also introduce, under the unified tax regime for funds, a tax reporting mechanism as well as economic substance requirements similar to those under the tax concession regime for FIHVs.

     “Hong Kong is now the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in continuing to strengthen its functions as an international asset and wealth management (WAM) centre. In this connection, the Government has long been committed to reinforcing our leading position in this area through providing a competitive tax environment. The relevant amendments under the Bill will attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong, and in turn create new opportunities for Hong Kong’s WAM industry. In particular, this would help further attract private credit investment activities in the region, while complementing Hong Kong’s development in areas such as digital assets and trading of precious metals and commodities,” a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.

The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on June 24.