Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post today (October 23) announced the latest air mail posting dates for Christmas this year. While the dates are provisional, they have been calculated based on the requirements of respective postal administrations, and are for reference only. These dates and services are subject to availability of flights, and may be altered at short notice. The public are advised to post earlier than the dates shown. Members of the public may visit the web page at (https://www.hongkongpost.hk/en/about_us/whats_new/index.html) on the service availability for various destinations before posting.
 

Destination	Letters and packets		Parcels
————-	———————–		——–
Chinese Mainland	December 9		December 9
Taiwan	December 5		December 4
Asia and the Middle East
Bangladesh	December 4		November 28
Brunei Darussalam	December 3		November 28
India	November 28		November 27
Indonesia	December 8		December 5
Iran	December 3		December 2
Israel	December 4		*
Japan	December 9		December 8
Jordan	December 4		December 3
Korea	December 2		December 2
Lao People’s Dem. Rep.	December 9		December 8
Lebanon	November 26		November 25
Malaysia	December 3		December 1
Myanmar	December 4		*
Nepal	November 20		November 19
Pakistan	December 9		December 2
Saudi Arabia	December 3		December 2
Singapore	December 2		December 1
Sri Lanka	December 9		*
Thailand	December 2		December 2
The Philippines	December 2		December 1
United Arab Emirates	December 9		December 8
Viet Nam	December 8		December 5
Other destinations in Asia and the Middle East	December 4		December 2
Central, South and North America
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Argentina		November 18	November 17
Brazil		November 28	November 28
Canada		December 4	November 28
Chile		November 28	November 27
Costa Rica		November 18	*
Guyana		December 2	December 1
Mexico		December 2	December 1
Panama		December 3	December 2
Peru		December 3	December 2
United States of America #		December 5	December 5
Uruguay		November 28	*
Other destinations in Central, South and North America		November 28	November 26
Europe
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Austria		December 2	December 1
Belgium		December 2	December 1
Cyprus		December 4	December 2
Czech Republic		November 18	November 18
Denmark		December 2	December 1
Estonia		December 4	December 3
Finland		December 5	December 1
France		December 3	December 3
Germany		December 5	December 4
Gibraltar		December 8	November 25
Greece		December 2	December 1
Hungary		December 3	December 2
Iceland		December 2	*
Ireland		December 5	December 1
Italy		December 2	December 1
Latvia		December 1	December 1
Lithuania		December 4	December 3
Malta		December 2	December 1
Netherlands		December 3	December 2
Norway		December 2	December 1
Poland		December 3	December 2
Portugal		December 2	November 28
Romania		December 8	December 1
Russia		November 25	November 17
Serbia		December 2	December 1
Slovakia		December 4	December 1
Spain		December 2	December 1
Sweden		December 5	December 4
Switzerland		December 8	December 4
Türkiye		December 3	December 2
United Kingdom		December 5	December 5
Other destinations in Europe		November 25	November 25
Oceania
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Australia		December 9	December 8
Fiji		December 1	November 28
French Polynesia		December 2	December 1
Nauru		December 1	*
New Caledonia		November 27	November 27
New Zealand		December 2	December 1
Papua New Guinea		November 26	*
Solomon Islands		December 2	*
Tonga		December 3	December 2
Other destinations in Oceania		December 2	November 26
Africa
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Egypt		December 9	December 8
Eswatini		December 4	*
Kenya		December 2	*
Malawi		December 4	*
Mauritius		December 2	November 24
Morocco		December 4	December 1
South Africa		November 21	November 20
Other destinations in Africa		December 4	December 1
* Service under suspension
# Postal services available for items containing document only

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) and the renowned Hong Kong creative brand Chocolate Rain are jointly presenting a community arts exhibition at Enabling Village, Singapore, from today (October 23) to October 26. This vibrant showcase welcomes art lovers from all walks of life and serves as a platform to foster cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Singapore.

     Led by founder Ms Prudence Mak, the Chocolate Rain team has curated a dazzling collection of exhibits that bring together the iconic landmarks and culinary delights of the two places. Visitors can marvel at giant inflatables of Hong Kong’s beloved egg tarts, fish balls, and Hong Kong-style French toasts, alongside whimsical 3D figurines of Hong Kong’s panda, taxi, and ferry, as well as Singapore’s landmarks, the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.

     At the opening ceremony, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, remarked, “Hong Kong is a city where creativity flourishes, with our cultural and creative industries gaining recognition both at home and on the international stage. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Singapore ETO alongside the 10th anniversary of Enabling Village, this milestone provides a meaningful opportunity to share the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s creativity and artistry with our friends in Singapore.”

     He added, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to advancing the city’s arts, cultural, and creative industries, with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange. By bringing our brands and creative spirit abroad, including Chocolate Rain, the Singapore ETO aspires to build closer connections, enrich cultural exchanges, and deepen mutual understanding between the people of our two communities.”

     Beyond the captivating installations, the exhibition features a series of 12 engaging DIY art and upcycling workshops conducted by Mak and her team. Participants can unleash their creativity and bring home complimentary Hong Kong-and-Singapore-themed souvenirs. Local social service agencies are also specially invited to participate, providing opportunities for persons with disabilities and their caregivers to engage in artistic creation and experience the joy of self-expression. Mr Fung and heads of social service agencies also took part in a workshop, where they experienced first-hand the joy of creating upcycled art alongside participants, and shared in the spirit of inclusiveness and creativity that the exhibition seeks to promote.

     Founded in 2000, Chocolate Rain is a Hong Kong-based creative brand dedicated to crafting unique stories and exhibitions filled with imagination and sincerity. The brand inspires young people to care for the environment, spread positive energy, and embrace their creativity. Over the years, Chocolate Rain has showcased its works across the globe, including on the Chinese Mainland and in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia.

     The Singapore ETO and Chocolate Rain are delighted to hold the exhibition at Enabling Village with the support of its administrator SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability inclusion, joining hands to foster social inclusion in the community. Enabling Village is an inclusive community space that brings together social businesses, community services, training providers, and lifestyle amenities within a welcoming environment that celebrates the abilities of all.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Southern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health and the Housing Department (HD) at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Southern District today (October 23).

Customs officers distributed promotional items to residents and introduced to them Customs’ enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
 
If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
 
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 today (October 23):

Mr Zhou (Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Daily, Mr Zhou Li), my dear panel members, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. I am pleased to join you all today at the Greater Bay Area Conference.

     Hong Kong proudly serves as a dynamic bridge linking the Chinese Mainland, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the global market. I would like to take this opportunity today to highlight three key pillars that underpin Hong Kong’s leadership in this new era of collaboration: our robust legal framework, our world-class legal services and our pioneering advances in legal co-operation through the GBA framework.

First pillar 

     Hong Kong’s legal framework is the bedrock of financial innovation and sustainable economic development. Hong Kong’s common law system offers certainty, transparency, and credibility, qualities highly prized by international investors and financial institutions. This robust legal infrastructure protects property rights and effectively enforces contracts, fostering confidence in developing advanced financial products and fintech innovations.

     We are also conscious of the need to be agile and forward-looking, responding to evolving market needs in a timely manner. For instance, recent refinements to the paperless securities markets enhance efficiency on the one hand and provide better investor protection and transparency on the other. 

     Additionally, the Stablecoins Ordinance, which took effect in August, establishes a clear licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins. The Ordinance introduces rigorous safeguards against financial stability risks, promotes investor protection while encouraging financial innovation.

     These initiatives demonstrate our proactive approach in adapting our regulatory framework to new financial realities, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as the freest economy in the world and the preferred hub for both traditional and cutting-edge financing.

Second pillar 

     Of course, a sophisticated financial system is only as strong as the legal expertise that supports it. This brings me to the second pillar: how Hong Kong’s legal services empower Chinese Mainland enterprises to go global confidently. 

     Our legal sector is robust and diverse, with about 1 700 barristers and over 11 000 solicitors across more than 900 firms, many having a strong presence on the Chinese Mainland and in other parts of the world. Furthermore, over 1 600 foreign lawyers from about 40 jurisdictions and 80 foreign firms also operate here. This extensive and diverse talent pool is consistently ranked among the world’s best in practice areas like capital markets, corporate law and dispute resolution. 

     Specifically, as a place of arbitration, Hong Kong is the world’s second most preferred seat for arbitration and tops Asia-Pacific in the latest international survey. This is a vivid testament to the international credibility of our arbitration regime. 

     Unique legal arrangements with the Chinese Mainland further strengthen our position. Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction where parties can seek interim measures like freezing orders directly from the Chinese Mainland courts and benefit from a comprehensive mechanism for reciprocal enforcement of judgments, including intellectual property cases.

     Meanwhile, Hong Kong-invested companies in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and other Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA enjoy greater flexibility in choosing Hong Kong law or Hong Kong as the place of arbitration regardless of ownership ratios. This offers the credibility and predictability of Hong Kong’s common law system when investors leverage the immense opportunities in the GBA –  a truly “best of both worlds” advantage.

Third pillar

     Building on our foundation of expertise, our third pillar is to facilitate integration and collaboration in the GBA. Taking the area of commercial dispute resolution as an example, we are actively working to set up a platform for GBA commercial mediation and arbitration. This will bring together mediation and arbitration institutions in GBA to adopt the unified GBA Standards. Currently, established GBA Standards cover mediator and arbitrator qualifications, harmonised mediation rules and a panel of mediators. By setting up a clear roster of institutions that implement the GBA standards, we send a strong signal to the market about where to find efficient and trusted dispute resolution services in the GBA.

     In conclusion, Hong Kong’s stable and dynamic legal environment is a pillar of its strength as an international financial centre, and a catalyst for deeper collaboration and integration in the GBA. With a world-class financial regulatory environment, unparalleled legal expertise and effective legal co-operation with the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong solidifies our indispensable role as the premier gateway for finance, business and investments in the GBA and beyond.

     On this note, I wish the Conference a great success. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for September 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.1% in September 2025 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in August 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in September 2025 was 1.0%, slightly smaller than that in August 2025 (1.1%).
 
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending September 2025 was 0.3%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending August 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.1% and 0.2%.
 
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in September 2025, as compared to 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively in August 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in September 2025, as compared to 1.4%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively in August 2025.
 
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending September 2025, the average monthly rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.3%, 0.2% and 0.2% respectively. The corresponding rates of increase for the 3-month period ending August 2025 were 0.4%, 0.3% and 0.3% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of increase in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending September 2025 were all 0.1%, and the corresponding rates of increase for the 3-month period ending August 2025 were all 0.2%.
 
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in September 2025 for transport (2.2%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.0%), housing (1.7%), miscellaneous services (1.6%), meals out and takeaway food (1.2%), miscellaneous goods (0.4%), and electricity, gas and water (0.4%).
 
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in September 2025 for clothing and footwear (-3.7%), and durable goods (-3.1%).
 
As for basic food, the Composite CPI in September 2025 remained unchanged over a year earlier.
 
Taking the first 9 months of 2025 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.5% over a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.0%, 1.3% and 1.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.1%, 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively.
 
In the third quarter of 2025, the Composite CPI rose by 1.1% over a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.7% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.0%, 1.4%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively.
 
For the 12 months ending September 2025, the Composite CPI was on average 1.5% higher than that in the preceding 12-month period. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.9%, 1.3% and 1.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively.
 
Commentary
 
A Government spokesman said that consumer price inflation remained modest in September. The underlying Composite CPI increased by 1.0% over a year earlier, broadly similar to the increases in recent months. Price pressures across major components were largely stable.
 
Looking ahead, overall inflation should stay modest in the near term, as domestic cost pressures remain contained and external price pressures are subdued.
 
Further information
 
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for September 2025 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
 
More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).
 
For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A woman who went missing in Kwun Tong has been located.
     
Ma Lai-har, aged 83, went missing after she was last seen outside Shui Wo Street Municipal Services Building on October 20 morning. Her family then made a report to Police.

The woman was located on Yuet Wah Street this morning (October 23). She sustained abrasion to her head and legs, and was sent to United Christian Hospital in conscious state. No suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, continued to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (October 23).

In the morning, Mr Lam met with the Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, before the ministerial meeting and discussed matters of mutual interest, including capacity building on online dispute resolution.

Mr Lam then attended the third and fourth discussion sessions of the ministerial meeting. On the topic of how structural reform can promote prosperity for all, Mr Lam stated that Hong Kong, China has always been committed to sharing the fruits of prosperity with members of the public. The Chief Executive’s Policy Address this year, with the theme “Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future”, perfectly reflects this policy objective. During the discussion session, Mr Lam introduced Hong Kong, China’s measures in housing, labour, healthcare, and support for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. He also elaborated on Hong Kong, China’s vision of further improving people’s livelihoods and building a fair and just society through legislation, updating laws, and developing the economy through reforms.

Mr Lam visited the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific in the afternoon and met with the Head of the Centre, Ms Athita Komindr. He thanked the Commission for its support to the Department of Justice (DoJ), emphasising the close and fruitful collaboration between the two sides over the years. The 6th UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit, a biennial flagship event jointly organised by UNCITRAL and the DoJ, will be held in Hong Kong during the Hong Kong Legal Week this December. To align with the theme “Linking Laws, Bridging Worlds” of the Legal Week this year, the summit will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence, and other relevant subjects in the judicial field. Legal and dispute resolution professionals and academics from around the world will attend the summit.

In the evening, Mr Lam paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea, Mr Dai Bing, to brief him on the co-operation between the DoJ and the Ministry of Justice of Korea, and the future work on strengthening the promotion of the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services overseas.

Mr Lam will continue his visit to Korea tomorrow (October 24).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) said today (October 23) that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH convened a meeting early this week to discuss the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong and updated their consensus recommendations.

Experts of the JSC opined that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, with periodic surges in activity in Hong Kong approximately every six to nine months, primarily driven by a decrease in herd immunity and shifts in dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants. Over the past few years since 2023, hospitalisation rates, incidence rates of severe cases and mortality rates associated with COVID-19 have generally declined in a progressive manner in Hong Kong. However, the corresponding rates remain significantly higher among certain high risk groups, such as residents of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the elderly aged 65 years or above. Related rates for other population groups, including healthy adults aged below 65 years and younger adults with chronic illnesses, have decreased to relatively low levels.

Having reviewed the latest local epidemiology, scientific evidence on relevant vaccines, recommendations from the World Health Organization and overseas vaccination practices, experts have issued the following recommendations on the use of the COVID-19 vaccines:

1. Booster vaccination for high-risk priority groups in 2026

     A booster dose is recommended to be given at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously, for the following high-risk priority groups for enhanced protection:
 

• residents of RCHEs;
• elderly persons aged 65 years or above who are living in the community;
• persons aged 50 to 64 years with underlying comorbidities;
• persons with immunocompromising conditions aged 6 months or above; and
• pregnant women.

While healthcare workers face a similar risk of COVID-19 infection as the general public, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable healthcare workforce. A large number of sick healthcare workers during surges can lead to reduced manpower for patient care, placing significant pressure on the healthcare system. Hence, the JSC encouraged healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for their personal protection.

In other words, based on scientific data, the JSC considered that individuals aged 18 to 49 with chronic illnesses, as well as healthy individuals aged 50 to 64, do not belong to the high-risk priority groups requiring booster vaccination in the next year.
 
Moreover, the JSC considered that the regimen for initial vaccination, as stipulated in the July 2024 recommendation, remained valid. Members of the public who have never received the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to receive age-appropriate initial doses of the vaccine with reference to the schedule from respective vaccine manufacturers. For example, a person aged 5 years or above is considered to have completed initial vaccination after receiving one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Choice of COVID-19 vaccine

     Experts reviewed the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants detected through sewage surveillance and human infection cases. They noted that NB.1.8.1 is currently the dominant strain in Hong Kong. This strain is a descendant lineage of JN.1. There is no evidence to suggest that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe diseases.

Overseas studies showed that during periods of JN.1 descendant lineage circulation, the JN.1 vaccines provided additional protection against symptoms and severe cases of COVID-19, with protection waning over time after vaccination. Animal studies revealed that the LP.8.1 vaccine induces improved neutralising antibody responses against NB.1.8.1 and other JN.1 subvariants compared to the JN.1 vaccine.

Based on the latest scientific evidence, the JSC recommended either the JN.1 vaccine or the LP.8.1 vaccine as the vaccine choice in 2026.
 
The JN.1 vaccine, which is currently used in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Hong Kong, effectively reduces the risk of serious illness and death due to COVID-19 infection. Vaccine supply remains adequate. According to the abovementioned recommendations by the JSC, the Government will commence the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for use in 2026 and will launch a new vaccination programme in the first quarter of 2026. Details will be announced in due course.

​Details of the JSC’s recommendations are available on the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incoming passenger was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (October 23) for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
 
Customs officers intercepted the incoming male passenger, aged 29, at Hong Kong International Airport on October 21. About 20 700 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $93,000 and a duty potential of about $68,000, were seized from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
 
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on October 17 received two accolades at the virtual award ceremony for the 2024-2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The accolades include the “Impact” Award and the “Collaboration” Award that was jointly shared with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Control and Enforcement), Mr Mark Woo, received the awards on behalf of the department.

The AEEE, established by the UNEP, is conferred upon institutions and individuals that demonstrate excellent contributions to tackling transboundary environmental crimes across Asia. It is authoritative and recognised in the area of international environmental enforcement.

The “Impact” Award recognises Hong Kong Customs’ integration of financial investigations with law enforcement against an endangered species case in July 2022, which demonstrates significant enforcement effectiveness. In its financial investigations related to the case that involved 231 kilogrammes of scheduled live corals, the department discovered substantial suspicious transactions involving $6.7 million of laundered proceeds, ultimately leading to a landmark conviction under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, with an offender sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment.

In his remarks, Mr Chan affirmed the department’s commitment to environmental protection and its important role in safeguarding biodiversity. He emphasised that environmental enforcement was not just about interception but also about protection, prevention, and partnership. He highlighted the need for continued innovation and regional co-operation in countering the increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks.

The “Collaboration” Award celebrates the success of Operation “Secure Harbour 2024-2025”, a joint initiative launched in 2024 with the Anti-smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The operation led to the interception of nearly 9 tonnes of scheduled shark products shipped from Hong Kong to Shanghai and the arrest of seven suspects on the Chinese Mainland, dismantling a large-scale smuggling syndicate.

While expressing gratitude to the UNEP for its recognition, Mr Woo pointed out that the joint operation was not merely law enforcement, but also a shared mission between the departments of the two places to protect endangered species and uphold the rule of law. He added that the honour will inspire the department to overcome future challenges and carry on its enforcement work.
​
Hong Kong Customs will continue to liaise and work closely with other law enforcement agencies and step up enforcement work in combating the illegal trade in endangered species.