24-hour hotline : 23 922 922
e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk
Ref. : TID PF 1
30 June 2022
Dear Sirs,
Powdered Formula Licensing Circular No. 2/2022
Introduction of E-services for Powdered Formula Export Licence
I. INTRODUCTION
The Trade and Industry Department (TID) is delighted to announce the launching of e-submission and e-issuance services for powdered formula export licence today.
II. DETAILS
2.The above e-services aim to provide facilitation to the trade. Exporters can now lodge applications for powdered formula export licences electronically via the TID's website and receive the e-application results by email. If the e-application is approved, TID will issue the approved powdered formula export licence in electronic format to the exporter by email. Details are set out in paragraphs 3 - 6 below.
3.To enjoy the convenience of the e-services, exporters need to subscribe a digital certificate issued by a Certification Authority which is recognised by the Government. The relevant digital certificate must be applied for authentication and digital signing for the e-application forms submitted to TID. For details, please refer to Annex I (pdf format).
4.To make an electronic submission of export licence applications, an exporter can download the e-application form for Powdered Formula Export Licence Form 6 (TRA 394) from the e-Form Submission Service of TID <https://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/form/publicform/nontextiles/form_nontextiles.html> and submit the duly completed e-application form with a digital signature inserted, as well as the required supporting documents (e.g. import invoice) via the same service platform. Once the application is submitted successfully, an email notification with a reference number will be sent to the exporter to acknowledge receipt of the application. As export licences are in general only issued to those who are registered with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) as importers of powdered formula under the Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612 of the laws of Hong Kong) with valid food importer registration numbers, or exempted under section 4(3)(a) of Cap. 612 with valid food importer registration (notice of exemption) exemption numbers, TID will pass the export licence applications to FEHD for verification of the status and validity of the applicants' registration or exemption. After receiving confirmation from FEHD, TID will process the relevant applications.
5.Under normal circumstances, TID will inform an exporter of the result of his e-application by email after two clear working days (Note) upon receipt of the duly completed e-application form with all the required supporting documents. For approved e-application, TID will issue the Original and Triplicate copies of the approved powdered formula export licence in electronic format (pdf format) to the exporter by email. The exporter has to print the approved powdered formula export licence on A-4 white plain paper. The Original copy is for the exporter's retention. The exporter is reminded to pass the Triplicate copy to the owner of the vessel, aircraft or vehicle in or on which he intends to export the powdered formula consignment (the carrier) as required by the law. The carrier shall deliver the printed Triplicate copy of the e-export licence concerned to our Department together with the relevant manifest. Please refer to Annex II (pdf format) for the sample of the powdered formula export licence in electronic format. For traders' information, the field of the exporter's signature and date is left blank on the e-export licence with digital signing.
6.Notwithstanding the introduction of the above e-services, exporters can still choose to lodge applications in paper form and obtain the application results at TID in person as at present.
III. BENEFITS OF USING E-SERVICES
7.With the launching of the above e-services, exporters can lodge e-applications for powdered formula export licence round-the-clock. They no longer have to visit TID for lodging the applications and obtaining the application results, thereby saving their travelling time and cost. Besides, exporters will no longer need to purchase the Export Licence Form 6 (TRA 394) from TID. Hence, exporters are cordially invited to experience the convenience brought about by the e-services.
IV. ENQUIRY
8.If you have any enquiry on the content of this circular, please contact the Powdered Formula Licensing Unit at 3403 6220.
Yours faithfully,
(Miss Creamy YAN)
for Director-General of Trade and Industry
Note: For an electronic export licence application submitted to TID on the 1st working day, the approved export licence will be issued to the exporter no later than the 4th working day by email.