Import
requirements for food are imposed
for public health reasons. Certain
high risk imported food like milk,
milk products, frozen confections,
game, meat and poultry are governed
by subsidiary legislation of the Public
Health and Municipal Services Ordinance
(Cap. 132). Import of game requires
the prior permission of the Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department and
import of meat and poultry is confined
to sources recognised by the Department.
To facilitate release of consignments,
importers are encouraged to provide
official health certificates issued
by health authorities of exporting
countries.
With
the cooperation of the Mainland
authorities, all imported vegetables
are accompanied by identification
tags and pesticide declaration forms.
Samples of vegetables are taken
from lorries for testing of pesticide
residue at Man Kam To Food Control
Office. Live food animals are also
subject to inspection and testing
at Man Kam To, wholesale markets
and slaughterhouses.
Under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, it is an offence for any person to bring any fresh, frozen or chilled meat, poultry or game into Hong Kong without an official certificate or Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's written permission. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.
For enquiries, please contact Health Inspector (Import/Export) Import Registration at 2156 3041 or 2156 3042. Enquiries may also be sent to the following e-mail address: fsc@fehd.gov.hk or by fax at 2521 4784.
Last review date: 01-09-2008