Basic information
Outline of the system
A special permit is required for all live animals and birds imported into HKSAR. The permit must be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before animals/birds are sent to HKSAR. The terms and conditions of the permit must be fully complied with. Such animals or birds must be sent into HKSAR as manifest cargo.
Product coverage
A special permit issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is required for the import of animals or birds.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The special permit is not used to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to protect public and animal health; to provide for public safety and animal welfare; and to prevent cruelty to animals.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable as the special permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system generally applies to any person bringing any animal or bird into HKSAR from all countries. For non CITES animals or birds imported directly from the Mainland, other rules may apply.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
The special permit system is an on-going requirement.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The special permit system is a statutory requirement under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance (Cap. 139) and/or the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421) with linkage to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Legislation does not leave designation of the items to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Any changes to the special permit system require legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Any person may lodge an application.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Address
Permit & Certification Section, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Counter No.10, 5th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government. Offices, No.303, Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone
(852) 2150 7063
Fax
(852) 2375 3563
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The required information is summarized in the application form at http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab...
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Please refer to the following website for details: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipa...
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for a special permit should be lodged well in advance of importation (at least five working days).
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Depending on circumstances a special permit may be granted, subject to the payment of the prescribed fee.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The granting of a special permit is not automatic and importation must not be arranged unless a permit is obtained in advance. The applicant may, after receiving a permit, need some time to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit, and should allow for this.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has the sole authority to grant special permits.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Yes, varying according to the type of animal and country of origin.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
The current fee schedule for special permits is available at http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/files/g110_....
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The current fee schedule for special permits is available at http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/files/g110_....
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Applications may be rejected or refused if requirements cannot be met
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons for refusal will be given to the applicant.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The applicant may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The applicant may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The special permit and other documents specified by terms/conditions of the permit, and documents required under any other legislation are required upon actual importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures requires prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Permits are valid for six months. The validity of import permits may be extended for a month upon application at a fee of HK$155.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilization.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Permits can be transferable between importers upon application and the payment of amendment fee of HK$155.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
The banking authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goods to be imported.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
No licence is required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.