Browse Data and Analysis

Due to recent recalls by Hong Kong authorities of food products containing ethylene oxide (ETO), ATO Hong Kong reminds all U.S. exporters that ETO is not permitted in food products for sale in Hong Kong.

On August 13, the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) confirmed to ATO Hong Kong that effective February 14, 2025, the Special Autonomous Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will transition from a “systems-based” approach to recognizing foreign meat and poultry establishments to an “establishment or plant-based” registration system.

This report provides guidelines on Hong Kong’s food import regulations.

Hong Kong does not have any certification changes for food imports since the last report submitted in July 2023. This report lists the certificates required by the Hong Kong Government (HKG) for U.S. agricultural and food exports to Hong Kong. Certificate samples are included in the appendix.

Hong Kong classifies ground meat as prohibited meat under its food legislation. Importers are required to secure a permit from Hong Kong authorities to allow the entry of U.S. meat shipments prior to arrival at Hong Kong’s port.

In 2023, the Hong Kong economy grew 3.2 percent year-on-year, slower than the government’s economic forecast. The economy has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels due to weak domestic consumption and lagging challenges in the import and export trade.

A batch of U.S. frozen confectionary was almost rejected at Hong Kong’s port of entry due to an erroneously formatted health certificate.

This report serves as a second reminder to U.S. exporters and traders that the Hong Kong Government (HKG) does not allow entry of U.S. poultry and egg products originating from affected counties reporting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) when the bill of lading falls on or after the effective date of a ban.

The Hong Kong economy has been recovering since the reopening of its borders to the world in late 2022, and to mainland China in early 2023. In the third quarter, Hong Kong’s economy grew 4.1 percent year-on-year.

This report provides guidelines on Hong Kong’s food import regulations. For the 2023 FAIRS report, the following changes have been made: 1) Section II – Labeling. Effective December 1, 2023, food containing hydrogenated oils must be labeled, 2) Instructions for brand name and food name on package have been updated...

Hong Kong does not have any certification changes for food imports since the last report submitted in July 2022.

The Hong Kong government (HKG) has launched a public consultation process on proposed amendments to its Preservatives in Food Regulations. Interested parties are welcome to submit comments before August 28, 2023.