Basic information
Outline of the system
A permit to import or transport sand in HKSAR is required under the Sand Ordinance (Cap. 147). The permit system enables the protection of beaches and seabed in HKSAR. Permits are issued by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).
Product coverage
Permits issued by CEDD are required for imports of sand in excess of 100 kg. Sand produced by any quarrying operation or by the washing of other material so as to produce sand is not covered.
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 permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to provide a mechanism to enable the protection of beaches and seabed in HKSAR.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable as the permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The permit system applies to natural sand imported from all places.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
The permit system is an ongoing requirement.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The permit system is statutorily required under Section 3 of the Sand Ordinance (Cap. 147).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Legislation does not leave designation of products 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 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 including sand buyer or import company is eligible to apply for sand permits.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
There is no published list of authorized importers.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Civil Engineering and Development Department
Address
Chief Engineer/Fill Management, 5/F, Civil Engineering and Development Building, 101 Princess Margaret Road, Homantin, Kowloon
Telephone
(852) 2762 5593
Fax
(852) 2714 9481
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Civil Engineering and Development Department
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Information required relates to source, quantity, destination, contract agreement between importer and exporter, and export licence issued by the exporting country.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The application form for a sand permit is available at https://www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_661/srp_
application_form.pdf. Online application for a sand permit is also available through the Trade Single Window at https://www.tradesinglewindow.hk/portal/en/index.html.
With effect from 4 July 2022, the Civil Engineering and Development Department ceases to provide in-person application service for Sand Removal Permit, following the launch of electronic application services in 2019. Apart from the online channel, members of the public can also continue to submit the applications by post, by fax and by e-mail.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Permit application should be lodged in advance of importation taking into account the processing time which normally takes two 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 permit applications may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In exceptional cases, a permit can be granted immediately upon written request.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The Civil Engineering and Development Department is the sole administrative organ regarding the processing and approval of sand 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?
The permit conditions can be found in the application form available at https://www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_661/srp_application_form...
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No licensing fee or administrative charge is required.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
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 for a permit will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are 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?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
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 sand permit is the only document 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 required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity period of a permit is determined by the validity period of the export licence issued by the exporting country, up to a maximum of 30 days. This period can be extended upon application. A new permit will be issued.
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?
The permit is not transferable.
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.