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Hong Kong Customs today (June 27) reminded members of the public and persons leaving Hong Kong to observe the regulation on the export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months (powdered formula) from Hong Kong.
Under the Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013, the exemption regulation applies to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8 kilograms (kg) 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 last 24 hours.
Customs detected 113 suspected powdered formula smuggling cases and arrested 60 men and 53 women, aged from 19 to 83, with a total seizure of about 410 kg of powdered formula at railway control points including Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, Lo Wu Control Point and Hung Hom Through Train Station from June 18 to 25. Among the arrested persons, 77 of them, 47 men and 30 women aged between 19 and 83, breached the export exemption regulation of powdered formula as they had left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours. A total of about 251 kg of powdered formula was involved.
Customs reminded members of the public again that the exemption regulation on the export of powdered formula would not be applicable to any person who had left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours.
Under the Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013, offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
Ends/Monday, June 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:04
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