Hong Kong is one of the largest financial and commercial centers in the world, with a favorable geographical location and developed transportation infrastructure. This enables Vietnamese businesses to access international markets and expand their business scale.
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) report, Hong Kong is Vietnam's 7th largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached $13.62 billion, with Vietnam's exports to Hong Kong reaching $12 billion in 2021, a 14.9% increase compared to 2020. Expanding into the Hong Kong market will help Vietnamese businesses reach new customers and increase revenue growth opportunities effectively.
Dos and don'ts when sending international shipments to Hong Kong
When transporting goods to Hong Kong, you need to equip yourself with relevant knowledge and understand important principles to ensure a smooth and successful shipping process. In this article, DHL Express Vietnam will provide you with useful information on the international shipping process to Hong Kong, including what to do and what not to do - helping you optimize the cost and time of your cargo transportation.
The importance of understanding international shipping rules and procedures
To ship to Hong Kong, you need to adhere to international shipping rules and procedures. This will help you minimize risks related to violating Hong Kong's legislations and prevent unexpected consequences such as penalties or cargo seizures.
Necessary documents for shipping goods to Hong Kong include, but are not limited to: airway bills, customs invoices, documents related to the cargo, documents related to the means of transportation, import/export permits, personal documents, etc.
To understand the rules and procedures for shipping goods to Hong Kong, you should contact reputable shipping companies like DHL Express for specific advice.
Hong Kong's import regulations
Hong Kong is one of the leading free ports, which means that it does not impose customs duties on imported or exported goods. This opens up many opportunities for international trade, especially for businesses looking to expand their business market in Hong Kong.
However, Hong Kong still has specific regulations to follow, such as:
- Imported goods do not require certificates of origin. However, if you are an exporter and want to benefit from customs duty reductions, you need to meet specific origin requirements as per Hong Kong regulations.
- When importing/exporting goods (excluding tax-exempt items), you need to submit accurate and complete import/export declarations to Hong Kong Customs within 14 days after importing/exporting goods.
Here are some things to do when shipping to Hong Kong to ensure a smooth process and compliance with the country's laws:
1. Research restricted and prohibited items
Some examples of prohibited items when shipping to Hong Kong include:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco, cigarettes.
- Liquids.
- Batteries, lithium batteries.
- Fragile and perishable items.
- Hazardous or flammable products.
- Firearms and ammunition.
2. Pack your items properly
Proper packaging when shipping to Hong Kong, Macau is crucial to protect your goods, prevent loss, comply with legal requirements, and facilitate customs clearance.
Some useful packaging tips include:
- Use high-quality packaging materials or boxes suitable for the size of your goods. Prioritize multi-layered boxes for fragile items.
- Add cushioning materials and fill empty spaces within the box to prevent shifting during transportation.
- Seal packages securely to prevent them from coming apart or damaging the contents. Use pressure-sensitive tape and H-Taping method.
- Ensure labels are securely attached to the top of the shipment and not covered by other tapes or documents.
3. Choose a reputable shipping provider
Choosing a reputable shipping provider not only ensures timely delivery of your goods but also enhances your brand's credibility.
To ensure a safe and quality cargo transportation process, you should choose a trusted shipping provider that meets the following important criteria:
- A global network with comprehensive support tools.
- Fast and on-time delivery.
- A trusted brand by large businesses.
- Cargo insurance to protect customers' rights.
- A team of specialists always ready to advise and address customer inquiries.
- Various service options to meet customer needs.
- An online tracking method available 24/7 for convenient order tracking.
