The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (December 28) reminded members of the public and persons departing Hong Kong to observe the regulation effective from March 1, 2013, concerning the export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months (powdered formula) from Hong Kong.
The Fanling Magistrates' Courts today sentenced two men and a woman, aged between 46 and 60, each to one month's imprisonment for illegal export of excessive powdered formula from Hong Kong. All powdered formula involved was confiscated. The three persons were intercepted by Customs officers on December 26 and 27 at the departure hall of Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. They were each found to have in their possession between 22.5 and 29.6 kilograms of powdered formula, which exceeded the limit of 1.8kg.
In addition, a 46-year-old man was sentenced to two months' imprisonment on December 14 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts. He was intercepted on December 11 at the departure hall of Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, and 24kg of powdered formula was found in his possession.
Under the Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013, it is an offence to export powdered formula, including milk powder and soya milk powder, for infants and children under 36 months without a licence. To allow a reasonable quantity for personal use, the prohibition does not apply to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8kg in total net weight that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of a person leaving Hong Kong. However, the person must be aged 16 or above and must not have left Hong Kong in the past 24 hours. Offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
The C&ED will continue to crack down on powdered formula smuggling at boundary control points, and to detect syndicated activities and trace stores for smuggling powdered formula. The department will also strengthen bilateral co-operation with Mainland Customs, including exchanging information and conducting joint operations as necessary.
From March 2013 to November 2015, a total of 12 186 persons were convicted by court for contravention of the regulation. Among them, 562 persons were sentenced to immediate imprisonment from one day to 140 days, and 1 008 persons were sentenced to imprisonment of six days to 10 months suspended from 12 months to 36 months.
Ends/Monday, December 28, 2015