Hong Kong is a vibrant destination attracting professionals from all over the world, especially in the financial sector. Many people have moved there for professional reasons. If your job is taking you to Hong Kong, or if you’re moving there to start a new chapter in your life, take a few minutes to learn about shipping your belongings there.
What Items Are Subject to Tax?
There’s some good news if you’re moving to Hong Kong: most of your household items are duty-free. So, if you’re shipping your coffee table, you won’t have to pay tax on it.
There are a few items which are taxable. Motor vehicles, liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol are subject to duties, and it doesn’t matter whether they’ve been imported from abroad or locally manufactured and exported.
What Kind of Documents Do You Need?
You’ll need certain documents in order to ship your personal effects to Hong Kong, as customs officers will inspect your goods. You don’t need to be present for this inspection.
The Chinese government requires you to submit copies of the biographical information pages of your passport (the page with your picture on it), the original bill of lading or air waybill, a detailed inventory and the shipper’s full contact details in Hong Kong (including address, telephone number and email address).
What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited?
As with any country, Hong Kong (and by extension China, which controls Hong Kong) restricts and prohibits certain items.
Plants and plant products require a special license. So do weapons and ammunition – you’ll have to get the license from Hong Kong’s police department.
Illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, knives, controlled chemicals, meat, poultry, rough diamonds, counterfeit goods, any liquids that could leak from a container and cause irritation as well as pornographic materials are all prohibited.
Can You Bring in Pets?
Yes, you can bring your pets to Hong Kong. As with many other countries though, you’ll need to have your paperwork in order.
You’ll need to get a health certificate for any pets you wish to import as well as an import permit (the agency that oversees agricultural issues in Hong Kong can help you with that). Unless you’re bringing a dog directly from the United Kingdom, your pet will need to be quarantined.
Orbit International Logistics Ltd.: Your International Shipping Experts
If you’re moving to Hong Kong, contact Orbit International Logistics Ltd. We’ve been moving people around the world for over a decade. Some of our customers like us so much, they’ve used us more than once. What makes us stand out from our competition? Orbit delivers exceptional customer service; every one of our employees is courteous and professional. Our customer service representatives answer every question, no matter how small, and they’ll be with you every step of the way. And our moving crew shows up on time, with all of the equipment they need. To learn more about how Orbit can help you, call us at 416-661-4228.
