Hong Kong extends FTA scheme to Mainland China–Peru transhipments

Mainland China-Peru cargo now qualifies for preferential tariffs.

Customs authorities have extended the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme (FTA Scheme) to cover transhipment cargoes from the Chinese Mainland to Peru via Hong Kong.

This development means that local traders can now apply to Hong Kong Customs for a Certificate of Non-manipulation for the purpose of claiming a preferential tariff under the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement for cargoes from the Mainland transshipped to Peru via Hong Kong, according to a government statement.

The scheme originally covered cargoes of 71 economies under 23 trade agreements signed between the mainland and its trading partners to be transshipped via Hong Kong to the mainland. Also covered were mainland transhipment cargoes heading for Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Myanmar and Australia via Hong Kong under eight trade agreements signed.

“Hong Kong Customs will make persistent efforts to extend the coverage of the FTA Scheme to enable more goods passing through Hong Kong to enjoy tariff concessions provided under relevant trade agreements, assist enterprises to tap into new markets, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a leading logistics hub,” authorities said.