HKSAR accepts the ATA Carnets issued by the authorized issuing associations of countries which are contracting parties to the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods or, the Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention).

Goods imported into Hong Kong under ATA Carnets will be granted temporary admission into the territory without payment of duty. Importers and exporters do not have to lodge an import or export declaration to the Commissioner of Customs and Excise in respect of goods imported or exported under ATA Carnets. Payment of imports and exports declaration charge will also be exempted.

The ATA Carnet however does not exempt other statutory requirements such as import or export licence or quota visa. Persons importing or exporting goods under ATA Carnets are advised to obtain the required documents from the relevant authorities prior to importation or exportation. (See "Prohibited Articles")

In HKSAR, the authorized issuing association of ATA Carnets is the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). Its office is located at 3/F, Silvercorp International Tower, 707-713 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Telephone : (852) 2398 6011. Facsimile : (852) 2399 7221.

A fee will be charged for each issue of the ATA Carnet. In addition, an amount equal to the duty payable on the goods at the country of import will be collected by HKGCC as guarantee for due compliance of the terms and conditions of the Carnet.

However, for certain strategic commodities such as some munitions items, nuclear materials and facilities, encryption equipment and articles for a use relating to nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, import and export licences are still required even if they are in transit.

For dangerous drugs in transit, a valid export authorization or diversion certificate is required.

Enquiries in relation to licensing control on temporary imports of prohibited articles can be made to the respective Government departments listed under "Prohibited Articles".

Subject to certain conditions stipulated under respective Ordinances, some prohibited goods in air transhipment are exempted from import / export controls. Examples of these prohibited goods include ¡V

• radio transmitting apparatus
• pharmaceutical products and medicines
• Chinese herbal medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines
• optical disc mastering and replication equipment
• rice
• pesticides
• meat and animal products
• hazardous chemicals
• ozone depleting substances
• smokeless tobacco products

Enquiries on the exemptions can be made to the respective Government departments listed under "Prohibited Articles".