The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with six Hong Kong container terminal operators (CTOs) today (September 20) at the Customs Headquarters Building. Laying down various co-operative arrangements for sea cargo customs clearance, including the liaison mechanism, cargo detention notification and case reporting, the MoUs underpin a closer collaboration between the department and the CTOs.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Boundary and Ports), Ms Louise Ho, noted that the department values its co-operation with the CTOs, adding that both parties have all along been working closely and pragmatically to handle issues relating to sea cargo customs clearance.
"Upholding the principles of gate-guarding and trade facilitation, the MoUs manifest the sincere partnership between the two sides, enhance cargo clearance efficiency and ensure effective law enforcement," Ms Ho said.
"By setting out clearly the signatories' roles and obligations, partnership will become smooth and a sound foundation for exploring of other co-operative arrangements in the future is also laid."
Following are the six CTOs which signed MoUs with the C&ED today:
- Asia Container Terminals Limited
- COSCO-HIT Terminals (Hong Kong) Limited
- CSX World Terminals Hong Kong Limited
- Hongkong International Terminals Limited
- Modern Terminals Limited
- River Trade Terminal Company Limited
On the same occasion, the C&ED also held an annual award presentation ceremony for the Sea Cargo Pre-shipment Declaration Scheme. A total of 50 sea cargo carriers/companies were awarded for their active participation in the Scheme.
The department has implemented various schemes, including the EMAN Statement One Submission Scheme and the Advance Cargo Information – River Trade Vessel Scheme, to promote voluntary submission of sea cargo data since 2009. Under these schemes, carriers and cargo agents can submit advance cargo information to the C&ED prior to vessel arrival. Apart from expediting the cargo clearance process, these schemes also pave the way for the mandatory submission of advance cargo information under the Trade Single Window which will be implemented in the future.
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