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Q1. |
Will there be any grace period for implementation of the Red and Green Channel System? If yes, please give details. |
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A1. |
The implementation of this new system is a change of declaration mode only, and it will take effect on Nov 1, 2005. To keep the public well informed of the change before the implementation, we will launch a large-scale publicity programme from today onward. The effort will be continued even after the launch of the RGCS on Nov 1.
In fact, the system is in line with the international practice on customs passenger clearance. Hong Kong Customs believes that most travellers both local or from all over the world are familiar with this procedure and will easily adapt to the new clearance mode in Hong Kong. |
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Q2. |
What initiative will Customs take at control points to assist passengers in using the new system? Will there be Customs staff around the Channel to offer on-site help? |
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A2. |
All Customs officers at the Customs Hall for arrival passengers will answer public enquiries and provide assistance to passengers on the use of the Red and Green Channel System. |
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Q3. |
Is there any channel for public to check whether the item carried is prohibited/controlled item? |
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A3. |
Yes. The public can check relevant information via the following: |
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C&ED homepage; |
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Customs enquiry hotline 2815 7711; |
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Leaflets 'Customs Declaration Guidelines on Red and Green Channel' distributed at all entry points; |
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Information light boxes and posters displayed at all entry points. |
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Q4. |
What is the penalty for importing/exporting controlled/prohibited items? Please list out the penalty and relevant laws. |
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A4. |
There is no change in law for the implementation of the Red and Green Channel System and the penalty for importing and exporting controlled / prohibited items remains the same. For details on the penalty of relevant offences, please refer to Appendix I. |
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Q5. |
What is the penalty if a passenger who uses Green Channel is found carrying prohibited/controlled item? Can he/she abandon the related items? |
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A5. |
There is no change in law for the implementation of the Red and Green Channel System. The penalty for passengers carrying prohibited / controlled item depends on the respective legislation governing its importation and exportation. (Please refer to Appendix I) |
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Q6. |
What can a passenger do if he enters the Green Channel and finds he has goods to declare? |
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A6. |
Hong Kong Customs will place posters along the Green Channel to remind incoming passengers that they are passing through a channel specifically designed for those who have nothing to declare. Those who have goods to declare should immediately leave for the Red Channel and/or seek assistance from Customs officers. |
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Q7. |
Will Customs officers intercept passengers for examination at the Green Channel? |
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A7. |
Passengers walking through the Green Channel are not exempt from Customs examination. Customs officers may select passengers from the Green Channel for examination based on risk management. |
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Q8. |
Will Customs officers ask a passenger who has finished walking through the Green Channel if he has anything to declare? |
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A8. |
It is not necessary to do so. Under the Red & Green Channel System, a passenger who chooses to use the Green Channel means he/she has made a Customs declaration that he/she has no controlled items or excessive dutiable goods. |
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Q9. |
Is a passenger liable to prosecution if he declares having possession of prohibited/controlled item at the Red Channel? |
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A9. |
Passengers importing prohibited/controlled goods are required to produce a valid licence or permit. Failing which, they may be liable to prosecution and the prohibited/controlled goods may be seized. |
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Q10. |
Should all passengers carrying dutiable commodities select the Red Channel to make declaration? |
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A10. |
No. Passengers should use the Red Channel to make declaration to Customs officers only if they are: |
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having dutiable commodities but are not entitled to duty-free concession; |
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having dutiable commodities exceeding their duty-free concessions upon their arrival; |
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having any prohibited/ controlled items upon their arrival. |
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Q11. |
Is there any special clearance arrangement for group clearance under this new mode of operation? |
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A11. |
There is no group clearance arrangement. |
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Q12. |
In many countries, passengers are required to complete a declaration form. Will Hong Kong Customs adopt this declaration method? |
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A12. |
The primary objective for the introduction of the Red & Green Channel System is to facilitate the making of declaration by passengers. HK Customs does not require passengers to complete declaration forms. |
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