Rationalization of Import Licensing Arrangements
for Radioactive Substances and Irradiating Apparatus

Introduction

With effect from 10 July 2006, all import licences covering radioactive substances (RS) and irradiating apparatus (IA) will be issued by the Department of Health under delegated authority of the Director-General of Trade and Industry under the Import and Export Ordinance (Chapter 60 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This letter announces the licensing arrangements after rationalization.

Current Arrangements

2. Under the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations, Cap. 60K of the Import and Export Ordinance, all imports of RS and IA must be covered by import licences issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry. Currently, fresh import licence applications and applications for amendment and cancellation of import licences after issuance are lodged and collected as appropriate at the Non-Textiles Licensing Unit of the Trade and Industry Department (12/F, Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon). Applications for RS/IA import licences (except for air transhipment covered by through air waybill) must be supported by a photocopy of the RS/IA Licence or Exemption Notice issued by the Radiation Board.

New Arrangements

3. In order to facilitate the trade and to streamline existing RS/IA licensing controls, with effect from 10 July 2006, all RS/IA licensing procedures will be handled by the Department of Health (DH). The DH will process and approve licence applications for RS/IA imports as well as requests for amendment and cancellation under delegated authority from the Director-General of Trade and Industry. Hence, traders are requested to lodge all RS/IA import licence applications and requests for amendment and cancellation of import licences after issuance with the Radiation Health Unit of DH (pdf format)(3/F., Sai Wan Ho Health Centre, 28 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong; opening hours : Mon : 0900-1800; Tue - Fri : 0900-1745; Closed at lunch hour : 1300-1400), and to collect the RS/IA import licences from the same office, with effect from 10 July 2006. There will be no other changes in the arrangements for lodgement and collection of import licences.

4. Notwithstanding the above, traders are reminded to collect the import licences from the Non-Textiles Licensing Unit of the Trade and Industry Department for licence applications and amendment requests lodged with us on or before 7 July 2006 (Fri).

Sale of Import Licence Form 3 (TRA187)

5. As the Radiation Health Unit of DH does not provide sale service for Import Licence Form 3 (TRA187) in respect of RS/IA products, traders may continue to purchase the licence form from our Collection and Form Sales Office (Room 104, Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon). Traders may also place orders for the licence form (while stock lasts) through the following channels operated by the Information Services Department (ISD) :
   
   
   • Visiting the Publications Sales Unit (PSU) of ISD at Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central;
     
     
   • Visiting the online Government Bookstore at <http://bookstore.esdlife.com>;
     
     
   • Downloading the order form from the ISD website at <http://www.isd.gov.hk> and submit the order online or by fax to 2523 7195; or
     
     
   • Sending an order through email to <puborder@isd.gov.hk>.
     
     

   Traders are advised to check with PSU at tel. no. 2537 1910 on whether the required Import Licence Form 3 is available before placing an order.

Enquiries

6. If you have any enquiries concerning this letter, please contact the Non-Textiles Licensing Unit (tel. no. : 2398 5560) or the undersigned (tel. no. : 2398 5766).

7. For enquiries on RS/IA import licensing arrangements starting from 10 July 2006, please contact the Radiation Health Unit of DH (tel. no. : 2569 8204).

Yours faithfully,

(Miss Judy TING)
for Director-General of Trade and Industry

Distribution
Shipping Companies, Airlines, Other Carriers and Freight Forwarders
Registered under the Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme

Holders of Radioactive Substance Licences/Irradiating Apparatus Licences Issued by the
Radiation Board