Hong Kong Customs Holds “Briefing on Customs Clearance of Commodity” Successfully

Hong Kong Energy, Mining and Commodities Association

8 May 2026

The “Briefing on Customs Clearance of Commodity”, organized by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (Hong Kong Customs) and coordinated with the assistance of the Hong Kong Energy, Mining and Commodities Association (HKEMCA), was successfully held at 10:00 a.m. on 8 May 2026 at the Customs Headquarters Building. We sincerely thank Ms. AU Shuk-yi Aubrey, Head of the Land Boundary Command of Customs and Excise Department, for chairing the meeting.

The briefing originated from previous discussions and exchanges between HKEMCA and Hong Kong Customs regarding practical enquiries and concerns raised by London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouse operators in relation to Hong Kong customs clearance procedures for metal cargo entering LME warehouses in Hong Kong. Topics covered included cargo imported into Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland through land boundary crossings, as well as cargo imported from the Chinese Mainland or overseas through sea freight channels.

To further enhance communication and collaboration between the industry and government departments, HKEMCA actively coordinated and connected Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the London Metal Exchange (LME), and various LME warehouse operators in Hong Kong to participate in the briefing session. Participating organizations included representatives from Access World, C. Steinweg, GKE, Henry Bath, Henry Diaper and H&M.

The briefing commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Ms. AU Shuk-yi Aubrey,  Head of the Land Boundary Command of Hong Kong Customs. HKEMCA then shared background information and updates on the recent development of Hong Kong’s commodities market. Subsequently, Hong Kong Customs provided a detailed introduction to both road and sea cargo customs clearance procedures, as well as the relevant systems and operational processes currently adopted by Hong Kong Customs, enabling participants to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong’s customs arrangements. Hong Kong Customs also briefed the participants on two trade facilitation schemes, namely the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and the Single E-lock Scheme.

During the Q&A session, representatives from the LME warehouse operators in Hong Kong raised a number of practical operational questions, which were thoroughly addressed by representatives of Hong Kong Customs. The discussion was professional, constructive, and highly engaging. At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives from the LME expressed their appreciation to Hong Kong Customs for organizing the briefing session and acknowledged that the meeting had enhanced the industry’s understanding of Hong Kong’s customs procedures.

HKEMCA would like to express its sincere gratitude to Hong Kong Customs for its support to the industry, as well as to HKEX, the LME, and all participating LME warehouse operators in Hong Kong for their active participation. This exchange helped enhance transparency and coordination efficiency within Hong Kong’s commodities logistics and delivery infrastructure, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international commodities and metals trading hub.

Looking ahead, HKEMCA will continue to serve as a platform and bridge between government authorities, exchanges, and industry participants, promoting communication and collaboration while supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s commodities ecosystem and contributing to the diversification of Hong Kong’s economy.