HK
Hong Kong Import & Export Toolkit
Hong Kong is a duty-free port with no VAT/GST. This hub covers LC cost in HKD/USD (HKD pegged to USD), zero-duty mechanics for pure imports and re-exports, and Incoterms best practice for the world's largest re-export hub.
Currency
HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) - pegged to USD in the 7.75-7.85 band
No VAT/GST
0%
Hong Kong has no VAT, GST or sales tax.
Duty regime
Free port - zero customs duty on all goods except four excisable items: alcohol >30% ABV, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol.
Free calculators for Hong Kong trade
LC Cost Calculator →
All-in bank charges on a Letter of Credit.
Usance LC Interest →
Deferred payment cost with correct ACT/360 or ACT/365 basis.
Import Duty & Tax →
Duty, VAT/GST and landed cost per HS code.
Landed Cost by HS & Country →
Interactive duty + VAT/GST + Incoterm split for this destination.
CIF ↔ FOB Converter →
Convert between CIF, FOB and landed cost.
HS Code Lookup →
Search harmonised classification codes.
CBM & Container →
Volume, weight and container utilisation.
Incoterms 2020 Visualiser →
Cost, risk and document split across all 11 rules.
Multi-Currency Invoice →
FX spread and cross-currency invoice value.
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Major ports & gateways
- · Kwai Tsing (HIT, MTL, ACT terminals) - top-10 global container port
- · Hong Kong International Airport (world's largest cargo airport)
Top exports
- · Re-exports of Chinese electronics
- · Gold & precious stones
- · Integrated circuits
- · Diamonds
- · Jewellery
- · Watches
Top imports
- · Electronics for re-export
- · Gold & jewellery
- · Machinery
- · Vehicles
- · Textiles
- · Food
Trade finance in Hong Kong
- · HKD LC uses ACT/365 (Commonwealth). USD LCs booked in HK use ACT/360. Given the HKD-USD peg, most trade is USD-invoiced.
- · Hong Kong hosts the largest offshore CNH (Renminbi) trade finance market. CNH LCs settle same-day via CNAPS/CHATS.
- · HK banks offer among the world's most competitive LC pricing - 0.08-0.15% per quarter for issuance.
Customs & duty in Hong Kong
- · Hong Kong uses the 8-digit HK Harmonised Commodity Code aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits.
- · All imports/exports require a Trade Declaration filed via the Customs & Excise Department within 14 days - even for duty-free goods.
- · Dutiable Commodities Ordinance controls the four excise categories with strict licensing.
Incoterms 2020 practice in Hong Kong
- · CIF Hong Kong and CFR Hong Kong are common for both final consumption and onward re-export to mainland China / Southeast Asia.
- · DDP into HK is straightforward given no duty/VAT - the seller just pays freight and delivery.
HS commodity guides for Hong Kong
Classification, duty and worked landed-cost examples for the commodity families most active on Hong Kong's trade lanes.
HS 61 & 62Consumer goods
HS Code for Textiles & Apparel (Chapters 61 and 62) into Hong Kong →
HS 85Electronics
HS Code for Electronics (Chapter 85) into Hong Kong →
HS 84Industrial
HS Code for Industrial Machinery (Chapter 84) into Hong Kong →
HS 71Metals
HS Code for Precious Metals (Chapter 71) into Hong Kong →
HS 2709Energy
HS Code for Crude Oil (HS 2709) into Hong Kong →
HS 2710Energy
HS Code for Petroleum Products (HS 2710) into Hong Kong →
HS 72Metals
HS Code for Iron & Steel (Chapter 72) into Hong Kong →
HS 31Agricultural
HS Code for Fertilizers (Chapter 31) into Hong Kong →
Hong Kong's key trading partners
India toolkit →
IGST on imports · 5% / 12% / 18% / 28%
United Arab Emirates toolkit →
VAT · 5% standard
Singapore toolkit →
GST · 9% standard (from 2024)
China toolkit →
Import VAT · 13% standard, 9% reduced, 6% services
United States toolkit →
No federal VAT / GST · 0% federal
Japan toolkit →
Consumption Tax (JCT) · 10% standard / 8% reduced (food, newspapers)
Frequently asked questions
Is Hong Kong really duty-free?
Yes for 99% of goods. Excise duty applies only to alcohol >30% ABV, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol. No VAT, no GST, no sales tax on anything.