A 34-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were sentenced respectively to four weeks and three weeks' imprisonment today (January 18) at Fanling Magistrates' Courts for exporting an excessive amount of powdered formula, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 17) intercepted the two persons in the restricted areas of Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Lo Wu Control Point, finding in their baggage about 22 kilograms and 16kg of powdered formula respectively. The two persons were arrested and the estimated market value of the powdered formula seized was about $12,000.

     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 1.8 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. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:10

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