Government launches Phase 1 of Trade Single Window
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The five types of import and export trade documents initially covered by Phase 1 of the TSW are set out as follows:
| Type of Trade Document | Responsible Government Department | |
| (a) | Import and Export Permit for Radiocommunications Transmitting Apparatus | Office of the Communications Authority |
| (b) | Transhipment Notification for Radiocommunications Transmitting Apparatus | Office of the Communications Authority |
| (c) | Import/Export Licence for Pesticides | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| (d) | Licence for Scheduled Chemicals | Environmental Protection Department |
| (e) | Licence for Ozone Depleting Substances | Environmental Protection Department/ Trade and Industry Department |
A Government spokesman said, "By making use of the TSW platform, members of the trade can lodge the relevant types of trade document round the clock and check the status of their applications and the validity of the licences or permits at any time. Re-use of data for future applications is also more convenient. Trade members are encouraged to register on-line as TSW users and submit paperless applications for the relevant documents through the platform."
The new service can be accessed through the TSW website (www.tradesinglewindow.hk). During Phase 1 of TSW, an option remains open for trade members to make use of the existing counter services operated by relevant Government departments to submit trade documents.
The TSW will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 will be progressively extended to cover some 13 types of trade document and Phase 2 will cover some 28 additional types of trade document. Trade documents covered by these two phases are mainly those for specific types of commodities (e.g. licences for the import and export of specific controlled products). Phase 3 will cover trade documents required or proposed to be required for all cargoes (e.g. Import and Export Declaration, Advance Cargo Information and Cargo Report). Subject to satisfactory progress of all the preparatory work, the Government plans to roll out Phase 2 in 2022 and Phase 3 in 2023 the earliest.
"The Government will continue to engage the trade and collect feedback with a view to enhancing the TSW system and service. The experience gained in Phase 1 will also provide us with useful reference for the system design and development of future phases," the spokesman said.
To tie in with the launch of Phase 1 of TSW, the Customs and Excise Department has set up a dedicated office to oversee the operation of the TSW system and provide support to TSW users through training, help-desk and hotline services. For enquiries, please contact the Office of Trade Single Window Operation at 2117 3348 or by email to enquiry@tradesinglewindow.hk.
Ends/Friday, December 28, 2018
Issued at HKT 12:00
Issued at HKT 12:00
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