Export Market Guide - Hong Kong
This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.
All regulatory information for exporting wine to Hong Kong, including the regulatory environment, duties and taxes, and permitted additives.
Unless an exemption has been granted by Wine Australia, grape products exported from Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Accordingly, the labelling and wine standards information in Wine Australia’s Export Market Guides should be read in conjunction with Wine Australia’s Licensing and Compliance Guide which contains the requirements of the Food Standards Code and applicable exemptions.
Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) when it was transferred to the PRC at midnight on 1 July 1997 after more than 150 years under British colonial rule.
As Hong Kong had enjoyed a free market economy during British occupation, it was promised by the PRC that under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy, the socialist economic system of mainland China would not be practiced in Hong Kong. Hong Kong will remain relatively autonomous until at least 2047 except in matters of diplomatic affairs and national defence.
The capitalist system in Hong Kong has produced an affluent lifestyle for most of its citizens and the GDP per capita based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is ranked amongst the top countries in the world.
Regulatory environment
Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS), which operates under the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), is responsible for implementing food safety policies and enforcing food-related legislation. The principal legislation includes:
- Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132)
- Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612)
- Food and Drug (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W)
- Preservatives in Food Regulation 2008 (Cap. 132BD)
Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise Department controls importation measures and administers duties and excise under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), Customs and Excise Service Ordinance (Cap. 342) and Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109).
All legislation and regulations for importation of wine into Hong Kong are available in English through the Department of Justice’s Bilingual Laws Information System.
Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA)
The Australia – Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) entered into force on 17 January 2020. Although wine imports are tariff-free, the FTA ensures that this will remain the case for Australian wine. The agreement contains an annex specific to wine (Annex 5-A).
“PROSECCO” has legal protection as a geographical indication in this market. Wine Australia understands there is a risk that infringement proceedings are alleged/commenced/enforced or other rights (e.g. seizure of goods) are sought to be enforced in accordance with the laws of this market. Wine Australia recommends exporters obtain independent legal advice from this market concerning their intended export of wine described and presented as “Prosecco”.