Hong Kong Bonded Warehouse License Application Guide

Hong Kong Bonded Warehouse License Application Guide

Strictly comply with customs requirements, Standardize bonded warehouse approval process

Hong Kong bonded warehouse license basisDutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chapter 109)and related regulations, Issued by Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. The licensee may store dutiable goods with unpaid duty at designated premises in accordance with the license conditions., and must comply with cargo movement, in stock, accounts, security guard, Assurance and continuing reporting requirements.

Hong Kong Huitong can help organize the premises according to the agreed scope, responsible persons, business, Inventory system and application information; Is the venue suitable?, Guaranteed amount, inspection, Approval and licensing conditions are determined by Customs on a case-by-case basis.

Release time: Application preparation reference
Hong Kong Huitong service teamApply for support
Document preparation and project coordination
work focus: business needs, Document consistency and matters to be confirmed
Service direction: Business description, Sorting out application materials and ongoing compliance matters
Service Description: Organize disclosure regulatory requirements based on proposed business operations, Material list and project nodes. Involving legal opinions, During audit or professional assurance, The corresponding professionals and service scope should be confirmed separately.; Competent agencies and banks make independent review decisions.
Familiar with the regulatory application process
Professional compliance team
Standardized compliance process
Multi-jurisdictional services

1. The functions and advantages of Hong Kong bonded warehouse license

⏳

tax deferral

Imported dutiable goods stored in bonded warehouses can legally defer the payment of commodity tax, Duty is not required until the goods are sold locally., Significantly improve business cash flow.

🛡️

Compliance management

The bonded warehouse license only proves that the customs approves the operation under specified conditions., It does not mean that the company has complied with all taxes, Firefighting, Dangerous goods, planning or other statutory obligations; Licensees must continue to comply with license conditions.

📦

Flexible operation

Simple processing and logistics operations that do not change the nature of the goods are allowed in the warehouse, Such as sorting, repackage, Compatible with re-export and local delivery.

🌐

global hub

Taking advantage of Hong Kong’s free port policy, The bonded warehouse has become a duty-free transit platform connecting the mainland and international markets., Strengthen supply chain resilience.

💼

Professional support

Hong Kong Express can assist in sorting out the disclosure application requirements, File and system description; The consultant cannot guarantee that customs will accept the information, Reduce the risk of rejection or perform duties on behalf of the responsible person.

Hong Kong Customs office reception area
Hong Kong Customs office reception area. Hong Kong Customs is responsible for the licensing and bonded warehouse supervision of dutiable goods.

2. Comparison of license types for Hong Kong bonded warehouse license application

License type Applicable subject Regulatory and technical core requirements
General bonded warehouse Storing general alcohol, Tobacco and other room temperature taxable goods Fire safety and general security facilities must pass customs inspection
Public bonded warehouse Logistics provider that provides warehousing services to third parties Each customer's goods must be recorded separately according to approved systems and procedures, license, Receipt, delivery and inventory differences
Private bonded warehouse Only store goods imported/traded by the license holder itself Approved goods used only for the licensee’s own business; If hydrocarbon oil is involved, Dangerous goods or other special categories, Capacity and license must be confirmed separately according to current conditions
香港海关 执法行动
Hong Kong Customs Enforcement Actions

3. Application process for Hong Kong bonded warehouse license application

Step 1: Prepare with digital registration

Confirm the use of the premises first, Goods type, Bonded warehouse category, Security and inventory control solutions, and obtain the institutional credentials required for electronic application; CCTV, Access control and recording configuration are designed according to customs case requirements.

Step 2: System submission application

Submit the application and supporting documents through the customs currently designated dutiable goods system; Check the current form before formal submission, System entry and electronic signature requirements, Unconfirmed old form numbers will not be used.

Step 3: Pre-compliance and financial review

Customs review application subject, responsible persons, premises, goods, business, Financial Assurance and Inventory Control, And financial statements are required based on the applicant’s current term and business conditions., Prediction or other proof.

Step 4: On-site inspection

Customs can inspect warehouses to be licensed, Check the premises, security guard, Partition, Inventory system, Records and the actual execution ability of the person in charge. Officials have not committed to uniform inspection time limits for all cases.

Step 5: : Pay the fee and get the license

After being approved, submit the guarantee required by the customs and pay the annual license fee as notified. Currently average, The annual fee for public and private bonded warehouses is HK$26,800.; The form and amount of guarantee are determined on a case-by-case basis.

4. Bonded Warehouse License Application-Customs Fee Standards

Types of taxable brand photos annual license fee
I. import and export
– Import and export license $1,320
– special import license $1,320
II. Bonded warehouse
– General bonded warehouse license $26,800
– Public bonded warehouse license $26,800
– Private bonded warehouse license $26,800
III. manufacturer
– Hydrocarbon oil manufacturer license $24,650
– Tobacco Manufacturer's License $22,700
– Liquor Manufacturer's License $22,700
– Liquor license $22,700
– Distillers License (only issued to education approved by the Financial Secretary, scientific or charitable organization) free
Other expenses
– Every change in license content $620

 

Original material reference: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department – Taxable brand photos

Hong Kong port and cross-border cargo circulation scene
Hong Kong Port connects cross-border trade and cargo circulation.

5. List of required documents for application

Valid business registration certificate of the company(BR)and registration certificate

Proof of identity of the responsible person and information on their employment relationship with the applicant; Customs recommends that the responsible person be a Hong Kong resident holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card, To facilitate contact in Hong Kong

"Digital Certificate (Organisational)" issued by a publicly recognized certification authority

Official authorization letter from the board of directors and consent letter for appointment of responsible personnel

Fully stamped (stamp duty) tenancy agreement and Land Registry title record

Letter of consent from the owner for subletting/sharing (if the tenant of the lease is not the applicant company)

Bank statements for the last 3 months (certified by directors)

Prepare audited financial statements based on the applicant’s term and business conditions, management account, Forecast profit and loss, Assets, liabilities and cash flow information; The final list is subject to customs case requirements.

Detailed floor plan of the warehouse with total area and exterior/interior photos

Inventory monitoring system(WMS)describe, Including inventory procedures, coding system, Exception handling mechanism manual

Hazardous brand license/certificate (if involving spirits, Methanol, hydrocarbon oil)

6. Tips on the difficulties in applying for a Hong Kong bonded warehouse license

Unlicensed warehouse: Storing dutiable goods without holding a valid license, a serious criminal offence, Can result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

Personnel arrangement: The responsible person must be an employee of the applicant; Customs recommends that Hong Kong residents holding valid Hong Kong identity cards be employed.. Whether a specific person is finally accepted will be reviewed by the customs, Non-residents should not be directly equated with denial of approval.

security arrangements: CCTV, access control, entrance/exit, visitor, key, Partitioning and video storage should be based on goods, Design for premises and customs requirements; This page does not describe 30 days or a certain access control technology as a uniform threshold that applies to all warehouses..

financial guarantee: Customs may require security sufficient to cover potential duties; Amount and form based on highest potential tax, Goods and risk decisions. Insufficient information may result in inquiry or disapproval, But it cannot be predicted that it will be rejected.

Mobile license: Any goods entering or leaving the bonded warehouse must apply for a removal permit from the customs one by one.(Removal Permit), Moving illegally is illegal.

Renewal overdue: The license is only valid for one year, And you must log in to the system to apply for renewal 1-2 months before expiration., May become invalid if expired.

Dangerous goods linkage: Warehousing Spirits, Hydrocarbon oils, etc. must obtain a separate hazardous brand license from the Fire Services Department, Otherwise the license cannot be approved.

Warehouse shelves and carton goods
Warehouse shelves and inventory goods.

7. FAQs for Hong Kong Bonded Warehouse License Application

8. Steps to apply for a bonded warehouse license - Hong Kong Customs video

Steps to apply for a bonded warehouse license through the Dutiable Commodities System

 

9. Related references

10. Relevant regulations, Regulatory information and further reading

Data category Related information
Related licenses