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e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk

Certificate of Origin Circular No. 8/2004

This Circular informs traders on the implementation of the Russian Federation Generalized System of Preference (GSP) Scheme.

DETAILS OF THE SCHEME

2. With immediate effect, traders can apply for the GSP to cover their export to the Russian Federation, except for those goods listed in the Annex (pdf format). The eligible goods will be subject to 75% of the basic import tariff rate charged by the Russian Customs.
   
   
3. To be eligible for the tariff preference under the Scheme, goods must originate in Hong Kong by fulfilling the Hong Kong origin requirements. The current Hong Kong origin requirements are set out in the Certificate of Origin Circular No. 07/02 and is available in the Trade and Industry Department web portal at http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/tradecircular/coc/2002/co0702.html. In addition to the fulfilment of Hong Kong origin requirements, the delivery of goods are subject to the conditions of direct shipment and direct purchase. Traders should present the Certificate of Origin Form A issued by the Trade and Industry Department or one of the five Government Approved Certification Organizations (GACOs)(^{Note 1}) covering the goods concerned to the Russian Customs during customs clearance. For details on the application of Form A, please refer to the publication "How to apply for a Certificate of Origin Form A" which is available at the Department's web portal at http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/publications/registcert/files/forma.pdf.

WARNING

4. The Trade and Industry Department works closely with the Customs and Excise Department, through checks and inspections, to ensure compliance with the provisions of the origin certification system. Breach of any of the provisions of the origin certification system or failure to comply with other requirements specified by Director-General of Trade and Industry, including those requirements promulgated by the Trade and Industry Department through notices and circulars from time to time, may result in prosecution under the Import and Export Ordinance or the Protection of Non-Government Certificates of Origin Ordinance as appropriate, which provides for a penalty of a fine of HK$500,000 and 2 years' imprisonment. In addition, the Trade and Industry Department may take administrative actions against the exporters and manufacturers (including subcontractors as the case may be) concerned irrespective of whether they have been prosecuted.

ENQUIRIES

5. Should you require further information on the content of this circular, please contact the Customer Service Centre of the Certification Branch on 2398 5525 or Mr P K LAM at 2398 5544.

Yours faithfully,

(Paul KWOK)

for Director-General of Trade and Industry

Note 1: The five Government Approved Certification Organizations are the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.