Hong Kong Issues Guidance to Industry About US Elimination of License Exception CIV

Hong Kong’s Trade and Industry Department issued a May 12 notice to traders about the U.S. Commerce Department’s upcoming elimination of license exceptions for civil end-users (see 2004270026), which will affect exports, reexports and transfers of U.S.-origin goods from Hong Kong. Hong Kong informed industry that exports usually allowed under the license exception will now require a U.S. authorization, adding that it will specifically impact shipments of electronics, computers and telecommunications products. Although the U.S. exemption will be eliminated, Hong Kong will make “no change” to its “import and export licensing control on strategic commodities,” the country said. Traders exporting or importing U.S. goods no longer covered by the exemption “are advised to liaise and check with their U.S. exporters/manufacturers, particularly to obtain the necessary and applicable US export authorisation,” the notice said.