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The Government published in the Gazette today (January 22) the Antiquities (Excavation and Search) (Amendment) Regulation 2016 to adjust the fee for granting or renewal of a licence to excavate and search for antiquities from $320 to $2,520.
A Government spokesman said that in line with the "user pays" principle, it is the Government's policy that fees and charges should in general be set at levels sufficient to recover the full cost of providing the services. When the proposed fee revision is implemented, the cost recovery rate will reach 99.9 per cent.
The Antiquities (Excavation and Search) Regulations (Cap.53A) set out the procedures of application for a licence to excavate and search for antiquities and the fee payable upon the granting or renewal of the licence.
The Amendment Regulation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on January 27. Subject to approval by negative vetting, the new fee will come into effect on March 31.
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:02
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