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Shipping a Parcel from Singapore to Hong Kong

5 min read

Hong Kong remains one of Asia's leading trading hubs and a key destination for Singapore exporters. While Hong Kong is generally a free port, certain products are subject to duties, import licences, permit requirements and restrictions. Before shipping, ensure your goods description, supporting documents and any required permits are prepared correctly to avoid customs delays and clearance issues.

Important Customs rules you need to know for Hong Kong

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Duty applies to liquor exceeding 30% alcohol by volume.
  • Alcohol percentage, quantity, volume and brand should be declared on the invoice.
  • Import licences may be required.
Food & Beverage Products
  • Rice, eggs, fresh milk, meat and poultry products may require import licences.
  • Some food shipments may be inspected by relevant authorities.
  • Accurate product descriptions should be included on the invoice.
Seeds & Plant Products
  • Phytosanitary Certificates may be required.
  • Plants with roots and soil are subject to additional controls.
  • CITES permits may be required for protected species.
Pharmaceutical Products
  • Medicines, pharmaceutical products, vaccines and prescription drugs generally require an import licence. Personal-use imports are not exempt, even when accompanied by a doctor's prescription.
  • Product names should be clearly declared on shipping documents.
Electronics & Wireless Devices
  • Wireless devices such as phones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth products may be subject to import controls.
  • Brand and model information should be provided.
Strategic Commodities (Dual-Use Goods)
  • Certain military, aerospace, telecommunications, encryption and high-technology products are subject to import controls.
  • Import licences may be required prior to shipment.
  • Accurate product specifications should be provided for customs assessment.
Tobacco Products
  • Tobacco is a dutiable commodity in Hong Kong.
  • Import licences, permits and duty payments may apply.
  • Additional restrictions apply to alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Leather & Wildlife Products
  • Animal species and material composition should be declared.
  • CITES documentation may be required for protected species.
Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Chemicals
  • Some hazardous chemicals require permits before import.
  • Certain controlled substances are prohibited.
Mercury & Mercury-Containing Products
  • Elemental mercury, mercury compounds and mercury-added products may require permits before import.
  • Additional environmental and safety regulations may apply.

Dutiable Commodities

Hong Kong generally does not impose import duties on most goods. However, duties may apply to the following commodities:

  • Liquor with an alcoholic strength above 30% ABV
  • Tobacco products
  • Hydrocarbon oil
  • Ethyl alcohol

Prohibited Items

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) products
  • E-cigarettes and vape products
  • Heated tobacco products
  • Smokeless tobacco
  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
  • Certain dangerous drugs and controlled substances
  • Goods derived from protected species without the required CITES documentation
  • Firearms and firearm parts
  • Ivory
  • Asbestos
  • Etomidate

Trade Declaration Requirement

Hong Kong importers and exporters are generally required to lodge a trade declaration within 14 days of import or export. Ensure local compliance requirements are fulfilled to avoid potential penalties or delays.

Commercial Invoice Requirements for Hong Kong Customs

To help prevent customs delays, ensure your commercial invoice includes the following information:

  1. Clear goods description
  2. Shipment value
  3. Currency
  4. Quantity
  5. Unit of measure
  6. Country of origin
  7. HS code 
  8. Incoterms

The full shipping process from Singapore to Hong Kong

  1. Before shipping, prepare your DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB) and commercial invoice. These documents are essential for customs clearance and help ensure your shipment can be processed smoothly upon arrival in Hong Kong.
  2. After completing the paperwork, pack your items carefully. Using appropriate packaging materials can help protect your goods during international transit and reduce the risk of damage.
  3. When everything is ready, book a collection through MyDHL+ or bring your parcel to a DHL Express Service Point. From there, DHL Express will handle the journey to Hong Kong.

Before shipping to Hong Kong, ensure you have:

  1. DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB)
  2. Commercial invoice with accurate goods description
  3. Quantity, value, currency and country of origin declared
  4. Brand and model details for electronics
  5. Product-specific permits or licences where required
  6. CITES documents for protected wildlife products
  7. Phytosanitary certificates for regulated plants

Advantages of using DHL Express

It’s a good thing to know about DHL Hong Kong’s customs rules and procedures before shipping any item from Singapore to prevent them from clearance delays. Other than that, DHL Express shipping makes sure that your shipment reaches the destination safely and on time by handling all the customs services on your behalf.

Here’s why using DHL Express will benefit you:

  • Its door-to-door shipping service makes international shipping easy
  • DHL’s wide range of services and network covers 220 territories across the globe
  • Thanks to MyDHL+, MyBill, and ODD (On-Demand Delivery), the shipping process is made much easier and safer
  • Customers receive real-time updates on their shipment status and customs clearance progress.
  • The package collection time is as per your choice
  • With the help of DHL’s flexible delivery options, now customers can decide the time and place of their shipment delivery

 Have we got all the items covered for you that you wish to ship from Singapore to Hong Kong? If not, then click below to know more!

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