Registration and Certification Publications

Guidance Notes on How to Prepare Photos for Outward Processing Arrangement (OPA)

General Requirements

The colour photos should represent the true image of the garment.

2.Please use 3R photos showing the product in the center and occupying 80% of the area of the photos.

3.The image of the product must be clear. The photos should be made with correct focus and exposure. To avoid confusion, the product should be the only object of the photo without other articles as background.

4.Photos produced by colour laser printer or other photo imaging techniques are acceptable provided that the images are clear and would not fade away overtime.

Preparation of Photo Backing Sheet

5.Photos showing the product before and after outward processing should be affixed onto the photo backing sheet. In each case, the front and back view of the garment before and after outward processing are required. In cases where outward processing entail a change to the product which does not appear on either the front or back, e.g. "fixing of shoulder pads to garment", photos showing the reverse side of the garment before and after outward processing should also be affixed on to the photo backing sheet.

6.Traders should ensure that the photos are firmly affixed to the photo backing sheet and apply company chops across the margins of each photo and the photo backing sheet.

7.The factory name and factory registration no. should be indicated on the front of the photo backing sheet. The Combined Form no. should be clearly indicated in the box provided at the back of the photo backing sheet.

Specific Requirements for Photos involving garments

Specific requirements on photos for garments are set out hereunder :

8.One Combined Form can only cover one style of garment. Garments of the same style refer to garments of identical cut, design and shape and sharing the same functional use. Garments are still regarded as of the same style having the following different features/ patterns/colours.

1. garments of different fibre composition and constructions;
2. garments with fabric of different colours and patterns;
3. garments with or without logo/embroidery/label;
4. garments with logos/embroideries/labels in different designs but of similar size and located at the same position of the garments;
5. garments with different concealed fastenings; and
6. garment with different button shapes/sizes.

9.As described in Para (8) above, certain garments though having different features/patterns/colours are still regarded as of the same style and therefore only one representative set of photos for a consignment is required. Traders are however required to declare clearly on the Combined Form that garments with different features/patterns/colours, etc. are being exported or re-imported for outward processing. Please refer to the 'Guidance Notes on how to complete the Combined Form'.

Exportation

10.Traders are reminded to prepare two identical sets of photos, a set of which will be retained by Customs and Excise Department for record when crossing the border.

Multiple Use

11.The same set of photographs can be used to accompany more than one Combined Form covering the same style of garment. On each occasion, the relevant Combined Form Audit Number must be clearly indicated at the back of the photo backing sheet. It will not be necessary to deposit another set of photos with Customs if one master set of identical photos for the same style of garment has been deposited upon the first exportation of the goods concerned.

Important Note

12.Please note that photos will be used to identify the consignment upon exportation and on importation. To facilitate smooth border crossing, traders are advised to follow the above guidelines in preparing the photos. You are also reminded to ensure that the photos tally with the description of the product declared on the Combined Form. With regard to garments, the scenarios described in paragraphs 8 and 9 may change overtime with emerging fashion trends. Traders are advised to consult Trade and Industry Department or Customs and Excise Department if in doubt.

Enquiries

Customs and Excise Department

Trade and Industry Department Factory Registration Section

Factory Registration and Origin Certification Branch
Trade and Industry Department
June 2021