Hong Kong Customs reminds public to observe regulation on export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months
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Fanling Magistrates' Courts yesterday (July 25) sentenced three men, aged 23 to 40, to imprisonment ranging from six weeks to two months for the export of excessive amounts of powdered formula from Hong Kong. All powdered formula involved in the cases was confiscated. The three persons were intercepted by Customs officers on July 22, at the departure hall of Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. They were found to have between 24.6 kilograms (kg) and 27kg of powdered formula, which exceeded the statutory limit of 1.8kg, in their possession.
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 1.8kg 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. Offenders may face a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
Hong Kong Customs will continue cracking down on powdered formula smuggling at boundary control points, detecting syndicated activities and tracing stores for smuggling powdered formula. Customs will also strengthen bilateral co-operation with Mainland Customs, including exchange of information and conduct of joint operations as necessary.
Since the Regulation came into effect in March 2013, up to June 30, 2016, a total of 14,365 persons were convicted by courts for contravention of the regulation. Among them, 797 persons were sentenced to immediate imprisonment from one day to 180 days, while 1,099 persons were sentenced to imprisonment from six days to 10 months suspended from 12 months to 36 months.
Ends/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:44
Issued at HKT 15:44
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