SUCCESS
E-newsletter
23 July 2025
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The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) run by the Trade and Industry Department (TID) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the HKSARG) provides small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with free business information and consultation services.
Our website: https://www.success.tid.gov.hk/en_landing.html
Our email: success@tid.gov.hk
Our customer hotline:（852）2398 5133
(Service hours of hotline and counters: Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m., other than public holidays)
 More Details
"Four-in-One" Integrated Services of SME Centres
To strengthen support for SMEs and to raise SMEs' awareness of the various funding schemes and support services, the TID consolidated the services of the existing four SME centres, namely, the "SUCCESS" under the TID, the "SME Centre" under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the "SME One" under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the "TecONE" under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in October 2019 to provide one-stop "Four-in-One" integrated services for SMEs. Enterprises can obtain business information, funding schemes information and advisory services, etc. at any of the centres. In addition, a web portal called "SME Link" is also established for SMEs to access information and support services provided by the four SME centres and government departments from a single online platform.
The Government provides over 70 funding schemes with different funding scopes, amounts and requirements to promote and support the development of enterprises and industries in Hong Kong. The "Government Funding Schemes" web page of the SME Link features information on these 70+ funding schemes, including overview and useful hyperlinks. The web page's search tool supports multiple search filters to facilitate enterprises identifying suitable funding schemes.
The "Events & Activities" of the SME Link facilitates enterprises to obtain information on activities organised by the four SME centres and various government departments, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, conferences, training courses, etc., from a single platform, and also provides relevant links to facilitate registration.
As global awareness of decarbonisation grows and consumers' understanding of green and low-carbon lifestyle continues to enhance, whereas related international laws and regulations are constantly updated, SMEs need to grasp the latest information so as to capture the business opportunities and cope with related challenges. The "Decarbonisation ‧ Business Action", a one-stop thematic webpage, features links to information and services about decarbonisation and carbon audit, etc., including requirements and regulations of Hong Kong and our trading partners, support measures and technological solutions, to help SMEs better prepare and position their businesses in the dynamics of international trade networks and supply chains and capture the business opportunities arising from low-carbon solutions and new markets emerging around the world.
What's New
“Four-in-One” Seminar Series
The four SME centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. Themes of this seminar series in the second half of 2025 are "Exploration of New Market", "E-Commerce" and "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)". Upcoming webinars under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. Funding for "New Productive Forces" Webinar Series: Unlocking Funding for Urban Innovation
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 29 July 2025)
This webinar is held by the “SME ReachOut” of the HKPC. This webinar will share strategies for low-carbon green tech, green logistics and smart traffic, and guide SMEs to leverage government funding for sustainable urban development. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. "SME LevelUp Workshop"– Infinite Opportunities - Global Expansion Through Strategic EOR Solutions (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 6 August 2025)
This webinar is held by the “SME One” of the HKPC. This webinar will share practical experience and strategies to help SMEs achieve sustainable global expansion in ASEAN market, leveraging the Employer of Record (EOR) model for efficient, compliant, and cost-effective overseas recruitment. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. AI Marketing Magic: Transform Ideas into Visual Masterpieces (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 31 July 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce new trend in AI marketing, analyse how AI can revolutionise the content creation process, demonstrate core functions of some popular AI tools, and share practical cases on how to use AI tools to improve marketing efficiency. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
II. Cyber Security Staff Awareness Recognition Scheme
This scheme is co-organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) China Hong Kong Chapter, with the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong as Scheme Partners. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This scheme aims to recognise Hong Kong organisations for their commitment to strengthening cyber security and enhancing staff awareness. The upcoming round of the scheme for 2025 is now open for application until 15 August 2025.
More Details and Registration
HKTDC Research Webinar “Mainland Domestic Market Opportunities: Taxation Considerations”
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 12 August 2025)
This webinar is held by the HKTDC. In this webinar, economists from the HKTDC will share their insights into the ever-evolving Mainland consumer market, covering online and offline shopping trends, policies to boost domestic consumption, etc. A Taxation Partner of the Shanghai Kingdom Law Firm will explain relevant taxation considerations. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua, simultaneous interpretation service will not be provided)
More Details
Creating a Family-friendly Workplace
Implementing employee-oriented family-friendly employment practices can help relieve employees from work stress and the pressure of taking care of their families. With their minds at ease, employees can be more devoted to their work with enhanced work performance and productivity, which in turn will boost the enterprises’ competitiveness, achieving a win-win situation for both sides. Creating a family-friendly workplace not only helps build up a positive image for enterprises, boost staff morale and enhance employees’ sense of belonging, but also facilitates enterprises create an edge in attracting and retaining talents and reducing recruitment and training costs.
For more details on Family-friendly Workplace, please refer to the following publications uploaded to the Labour Department’s website:
Family-friendly Workplace
Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by Typhoon Wipha (deadline: 30 July 2025)
Local farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the recent Typhoon Wipha can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from 22 July to 30 July 2025 for assistance from an emergency relief fund.
An AFCD spokesman said on 21 July 2025 that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected farmers according to established criteria.
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by Typhoon Wipha.
"After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers," the spokesman said.
Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online ( http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2476 2424 during office hours.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/21/P2025072100791.htm.
Fast Charger Incentive Scheme to launch and begin accepting applications on 25 July 2025
The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) announced on 21 July 2025that the Fast Charger Incentive Scheme will be launched on 25 July, and will start accepting applications at 3pm. The EEB will announce the details of the Scheme on the featured website at 10am on the same day, and conduct a trade briefing at the same time to introduce the Scheme's details and requirements.
"The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" announced that the Government would earmark $300 million for the Fast Charger Incentive Scheme, with the target of providing 3 000 fast chargers to support 160 000 more electric vehicles. It is expected that all fast chargers will be put into service gradually from 2026 to the end of 2028.
Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) on 18 July 2025 to strengthen the regulation of prepackaged konjac-containing jelly confectionery.
Through legislative amendments, mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45 millimetres will be prohibited for sale in the market. In addition, other konjac jelly products must be labelled with choking warning statements on their packaging to remind consumers to exercise caution while eating.
A Government spokesman said, "While konjac itself is a safe food additive, the smooth and slippery surface and firm texture of konjac jellies may pose a choking risk if not consumed properly. This risk is particularly high for children and the elderly. The Government has been promoting health education messages on the prevention of food choking through various channels, such as advising consumers to avoid slurping mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery directly."
The Amendment Regulation will be tabled before the Legislative Council (LegCo) on 23 July for negative vetting. The new requirements for prepackaged mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery will take effect on 1 April 2026, i.e. around six months after the completion of negative vetting of the Amendment Regulation.
The new regulatory requirements include:
(i) Jelly confectionery that is prepackaged food and that is packed in a mini-cup-shaped container must not contain konjac if the height or width of the container does not exceed 45mm; and
(ii) The outermost layer of packaging for sale of jelly confectionery that is prepackaged food and that contains konjac must be clearly and legibly marked with the following words in both Chinese and English -
"Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision.
注意：勿一口吞食，長者及兒童須在監護下食用。"
The above words must be marked in a conspicuous position on the packaging. They must be underlined and marked in dark colour on a light-coloured background or in light colour on a dark-coloured background; or marked in red text on a white or yellow background.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) will continue to enhance health education on choking prevention, including issuing letters to schools, organising seminars, and sharing information on social media. In addition, the CFS will arrange technical meetings with the trade and issue user guidelines in due course to facilitate the trade's understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/18/P2025071800533.htm.
United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) on 18 July 2025, which came into operation on the same day.
"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2776 in respect of Somalia," a Government spokesman said.
The amendments mainly relate to the requirements of the licences for the supply, sale, transfer or carriage of weapons, ammunition or military equipment to Somalia or to certain persons.
The HKSARG has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People's Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/18/P2025071800342.htm.
United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) on 18 July 2025, which came into operation on the same day.
"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2769 in respect of Libya," a Government spokesman said.
The amendments renew the sanctions measures in respect of preventing illicit petroleum exports from Libya, and reflect the latest exemption arrangements in respect of arms embargo and asset freeze.
The HKSARG has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People's Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/18/P2025071800212.htm.
Public Health and Municipal Services (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the Public Health and Municipal Services (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) on 18 July 2025 to tie in with the implementation of the Registered Fire Engineer (RFE) Scheme.
The RFE Scheme will offer licence applicants of general restaurants, light refreshment restaurants, food factories (whether or not for preparation of bakery products only), factory canteens and composite food shops an additional option. Applicants may continue with the established practice of using the fire safety risk assessment and certification services of the Fire Services Department (FSD) or engage the services of RFEs. To tie in with the implementation of the Scheme, the Government made the Fire Services Department (Reports and Certificates) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 to revamp the fee structure for FSD services, including the fees for the issue of certificates for ventilating systems by the FSD prescribed in the Fire Services Department (Reports and Certificates) Regulations (Cap. 95C).
In view of the revamp of the fee structure for FSD services, the Amendment Regulation will specify the corresponding fee deduction for the issue of certificates for ventilating systems by the FSD from the fees for the granting of full food business licences, so that applicants will not be double charged for the same service.
The Government will table the Amendment Regulation before the LegCo at its sitting on 23 July. Upon the completion of negative vetting, the Amendment Regulation will come into effect with the revamped fee structure for FSD services on 1 November 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/18/P2025071700191.htm.
Legislative amendments on low-altitude economy development taken effect
The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Order 2025 and the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment) Order 2025 came into effect on 18 July 2025 to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy.
The amendments to the Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order (Cap. 448G) serve to extend the existing regulatory regime to cover SUA weighing over 25 kilograms but not exceeding 150kg. Relevant guidance documents including the updated Safety Requirements Document and Advisory Circulars will be available on the Civil Aviation Department (CAD)'s website (www.cad.gov.hk/english/sua_new.html) from 18 July.
Meanwhile, the amendments to the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C) serve to facilitate the trials of various unconventional aircraft in Hong Kong. New articles are added under Cap. 448C to empower the Chief Executive to permit the trials of unconventional aircraft under specified conditions. Practical guidance in respect of the trials of unconventional aircraft will be published on the CAD's website (www.cad.gov.hk/english/uca_trials.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/17/P2025071700590.htm.
Legislative amendments on mandatory installation of Journey Recording Systems and provision of electronic payment means on taxis gazetted
The Government gazetted the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 on 18 July 2025. The Amendment Regulations seek to mandate the installation of Journey Recording Systems (JRS) on all taxis and require all taxi drivers to allow taxi fares to be paid by electronic payment means (e-payment means), with a view to enhancing the overall taxi service quality with technology and meeting public's demand.
The LegCo Panel on Transport and the Transport Advisory Committee were briefed respectively on the proposals in December 2024 and Members were supportive of the proposals. The Amendment Regulations will be tabled at the LegCo on 23 July 2025 for negative vetting.
Details of the proposals and the commencement of the provisions relating to the JRS and e-payment means are set out in the LegCo brief issued by the Government on 16 July 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/16/P2025071600830.htm.
LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development
The LegCo Secretariat released on 15 July 2025 the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on "Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development". This issue provides a brief overview of hydrogen energy development strategies in Hong Kong, the edges of promoting the hydrogen energy industry, the latest progress of improving relevant legislation by the Government, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.
LegCo resumes the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 16 July. The Bill seeks to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel to ensure the safe application of hydrogen fuel. It also empowers the Government to introduce new subsidiary legislation to ensure the flexibility of updating the regulatory requirements. The Government intends to introduce subsidiary legislation in 2026 to cover the entire supply chain of hydrogen as fuel.
The Policy Pulse highlights that the HKSARG actively promotes the development of hydrogen energy, and promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong last year. Setting out four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market and advancing with prudence, the Strategy aims to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in an orderly manner, so as to make preparations for the wider application of hydrogen energy in the future.
With a "zero carbon emissions" feature, hydrogen is a new energy with significant decarbonisation potential. Our country is the largest hydrogen producer in the world, and strives to achieve the "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The HKSARG also targets to cut carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Policy Pulse points out that, with its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as the strengths in scientific research, robust legislation and energy infrastructure, Hong Kong has very great potential to become a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country, and facilitate the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Belt and Road region and other overseas places. In addition, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong can help enterprises with their green transformation by providing green financing and professional services.
The Policy Pulse also introduces a number of measures by the HKSARG to support research and innovation in the hydrogen energy technology. These include setting up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate the efforts in promoting the local use of hydrogen energy and initiate relevant trial projects. Meanwhile, the Government has launched several funding schemes that cover the research and development of hydrogen energy technology, and actively promotes talent training, technological exchange and application in relevant scientific and technological fields, so as to cultivate professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the safe application of hydrogen energy technology.
LegCo Members have long attached great importance to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. In March 2023, LegCo passed a motion advocating the HKSARG to comprehensively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry in Hong Kong. The LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs also visited hydrogen projects during its duty visit to Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area) in August of the same year, and has been following up on issues related to hydrogen energy. The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members on hydrogen energy development. These include capitalising on the strengths of Hong Kong's financial services industry to attract capital investment in the city's hydrogen energy industry and reserve land for development. Furthermore, the Government should take the lead in developing green industries and make use of new development areas as a springboard to bring in quality hydrogen energy industries; formulate relevant policies on hydrogen energy pricing to stimulate demand for hydrogen energy; promote carbon index certification to include hydrogen energy into Hong Kong's carbon emissions trading market; and actively research and develop local hydrogen production technology, among others.
The Policy Pulse points out that hydrogen energy is an integral component of the country's future energy system. Members urge the Government to collaborate with other cities in the Greater Bay Area on the joint research, development and promotion of hydrogen energy development projects to facilitate exchanges and co-operation between the two places across the hydrogen energy industrial chain, with a view to promoting the alignment of the safety monitoring and quality testing standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Members also advise the Government to speed up the development of a set of internationally recognised hydrogen energy certification standards, so as to assist the Greater Bay Area and even the entire hydrogen industry in the country to enter the international market.
The detailed content of "Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development" is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the Council Business Divisions of the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics and offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarised discussions in LegCo.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/15/P2025071500548.htm.
Construction Industry Security of Payment Rules gazetted
The Government gazetted on 11 July 2025 the Construction Industry Security of Payment Rules (Rules) made by the Chief Judge of the High Court under section 50 of the Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance (Cap. 652) (Ordinance), to facilitate the implementation of the Ordinance in relation to set aside and enforcement of adjudication determinations in Court.
The Ordinance aims to address the longstanding payment problems in the construction industry by providing an adjudication mechanism that will help stakeholders receive their entitled payment in a timely manner, thereby creating a healthy business environment for the construction industry and, in turn, providing better protection for the construction industry practitioners. By referring the payment dispute to adjudication, an adjudicator, as an independent third party, will determine the payment dispute and the costs of adjudication proceedings payable by each party. To protect the interests of parties to adjudication, and ensure that the adjudication determination can be effectively enforced, the Ordinance allows parties to adjudication, under specific circumstances, apply to the Court for set aside or enforcement of the relevant determination. Under the Ordinance, both the Court of First Instance and the District Court have jurisdictions to hear set aside applications and enforcement applications.
"The Ordinance was gazetted on 27 December 2024, and will come into full operation on 28 August 2025, with great support from the industry for the upcoming implementation of adjudication provisions under the Ordinance. The Rules provide for the practice and procedure relating to set aside applications and enforcement applications, to facilitate effective handling of relevant applications in the Court, ensuring that adjudication determinations are upheld swiftly and providing parties to adjudication with legal certainty. The formulation of the Rules has taken full account of the views of legal profession, construction industry stakeholders and the Judiciary," a spokesman for the Development Bureau said.
The Rules were tabled at the LegCo on 16 July for negative vetting. Subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process, the Rules will come into effect on 5 September 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/11/P2025071100640.htm.
Gazettal of banking amendment rules to implement Basel cryptoassets standard
The Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2025, the Banking (Disclosure) (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the Banking (Exposure Limits) (Amendment) Rules 2025 (collectively referred to as "the amendment rules") were gazetted on 11 July 2025 to implement the new prudential standard promulgated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) in Hong Kong.
The amendment rules seek to implement the capital standards and the associated requirements on disclosure and exposure limits promulgated by the BCBS in relation to the prudential treatment of cryptoasset exposures, which are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2026, in accordance with the BCBS timeline.
The opportunity is also taken to include certain amendments in the Banking (Capital) Rules (Cap. 155L) and Banking (Exposure Limits) Rules (Cap. 155S) for better aligning the capital framework with international practices, as well as ensuring the effective operation of the exposure limits framework as informed by implementation experiences, industry feedback and regulatory developments.
A Government spokesperson said, "The amendment rules aim at providing a robust and prudent regulatory framework in line with international standards for banks' exposures to cryptoassets that promotes responsible innovation while preserving financial stability."
A Hong Kong Monetary Authority spokesperson added, "In formulating the amendment rules, we have conducted several rounds of consultations with the industry and taken local circumstances into account."
The amendment rules were tabled at the LegCo on 16 July 2025. They will take effect on 1 January 2026.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/11/P2025071000787.htm.
Import and Export (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted
The Government published the Import and Export (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Amendment Ordinance) in the Gazette on 11 July 2025 to make technical amendments to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60) and related legislation, so as to replace the existing Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) by the Trade Single Window (TSW) upon rollout of TSW Phase 3 as the electronic platform for submission of specified trade documents.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "We are grateful to the LegCo for passing the relevant bill to provide the legal basis for the implementation of TSW Phase 3, achieving another important milestone on trade facilitation. The TSW not only overhauls and enhances the document submission workflows between participating government agencies and the trade, but also enhances the efficiency of cargo clearance in Hong Kong and helps consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international trade centre and a logistics hub. The Government is pressing ahead with the development and testing of the information technology (IT) system of TSW Phase 3, with the target of rolling out the services by batches from 2026 onwards."
The Government is implementing the TSW in three phases to provide a one-stop electronic platform for the trade to lodge business-to-government trade documents for trade declaration and cargo clearance. Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the TSW have been in full service since 2020 and 2023 respectively, covering 42 types of trade documents in total. Phase 3 is the final and most complex phase of the TSW. It involves a large volume of documents submitted by a wide range of stakeholders, covering Import and Export Declarations (TDEC), cargo information required to be submitted under different transport modes (including Advance Cargo Information, Cargo Manifests and Cargo Reports), and applications for Certificates of Origin and Dutiable Commodities Permits. The IT system of Phase 3 will replace the long-established GETS and major cargo clearance systems of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and the trade will be required to use the TSW to submit relevant trade documents.
Features of Phase 3 include:
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trade members may submit trade documents via the TSW on their own or authorise value-added service providers to submit and verify information of trade documents and make payment on their behalf;
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trade members can submit pre-shipment TDEC and Cargo Manifests via the TSW on a voluntary basis; and
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trade members may submit road Cargo Manifest and return licences through electronic means, thereby saving operating cost.
To provide sufficient time for the trade to migrate to the new system, the Amendment Ordinance has included provisions on transitional arrangements to allow parallel run of TSW Phase 3 and GETS for a certain period of time. The C&ED will also launch a series of publicity, promotion and training programmes and provide support services prior to the rollout of Phase 3 services to ensure a smooth transition for the trade.
The main provisions of the Amendment Ordinance came into operation on 11 July 2025, except for some provisions relating to the deletion of the existing legal framework of GETS, which shall take effect on a day to be designated by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise by notice published in the Gazette.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/11/P2025071100260.htm.
Gazettal of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under Copyright Ordinance
The Government published on 11 July 2025 in the Gazette two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) (the Ordinance), namely the Copyright (Libraries, Museums and Archives—Prescribed Conditions for Making Copy) Regulation and the Copyright (Specified Libraries, Museums and Archives under Sections 47 to 53) Notice.
The above two pieces of subsidiary legislation are made under section 46(1) of the Ordinance. They aim to specify libraries, museums and archives and prescribe conditions for certain permitted acts for use of copyright works, and at the same time replace the Copyright (Libraries) Regulations (Cap. 528B) currently governing some of the relevant permitted acts.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (the Amendment Ordinance), which came into operation on 1 May 2023, not only has strengthened copyright protection in the digital environment, but also maintained a proper balance between copyright protection and reasonable use of copyright works. The Amendment Ordinance has introduced and expanded the permitted acts for specified libraries, museums and archives to facilitate their reasonable use of copyright works in their collections during daily operations, promoting research, private study, as well as knowledge dissemination and preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Therefore, it is necessary to update the relevant subsidiary legislation to facilitate the above."
The spokesperson added that the Government had earlier conducted a public consultation on the legislative proposals for the two pieces of subsidiary legislation and had carefully considered and taken on board the views of stakeholders. The proposals will provide specified libraries, museums and archives with a statutory framework which is clear and complies with the Ordinance, thereby enabling them to more effectively perform and fulfil their functions in education and the inheritance of knowledge and culture.
The two pieces of subsidiary legislation were tabled before the LegCo on 16 July for negative vetting. Upon completion of the relevant legislative procedures, the Government will carry out publicity and educational activities to enhance the awareness of the relevant provisions among the specified libraries, museums, archives and their users, and to enable the relevant stakeholders to get fully prepared before the two pieces of subsidiary legislation come into effect on 1 January 2026.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/11/P2025071100258.htm.
Subsidiary legislation related to updating of technical details of dangerous goods gazetted
The Government published the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Amendment of Schedules) Notice 2025 and the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation (Amendment of Schedule 7) Notice 2025 (collectively referred to as the Notices) in the Gazette on 11 July 2025.
A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said on 9 July 2025, "The local dangerous goods (DG) regulatory regime was harmonised with international standards after the amended Dangerous Goods Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation took effect from 31 March 2022. Considering that the international standards for the classification and transportation of DG under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) are regularly updated, we will update the technical details of the relevant pieces of subsidiary legislation accordingly." The Secretary for Security has made the Notices to update the lists of DG and relevant technical details in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 to the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 and Schedule 7 to the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation in accordance with the latest edition of the IMDG Code to keep pace with the latest international developments and facilitate the operations of the trades in Hong Kong.
The Notices were tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 16 July. Subject to the completion of the legislative procedures, the Notices will come into effect on 1 January 2026, with certain amendments scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, to align with the mandatory implementation date specified in the IMDG Code.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/09/P2025070900347.htm.
Government revises traffic-related fees and fixed penalties
The Government announced on 9 July 2025 a proposal to adjust four traffic-related fees, including tunnel tolls, licence fees for electric private cars, the maximum fee level of parking meters, and fixed penalties for traffic offences. Relevant information is set out in the LegCo brief issued by the Government on 9 July 2025.
The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "The 2025-26 Budget announced that the Government would focus on reviewing traffic charges and fixed penalties that have not been adjusted for many years. Our overall considerations are to enhance traffic management and maintain public fiscal discipline, reflecting the principles of 'cost recovery' and 'user pays'."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/09/P2025070900404.htm.
2025 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter opens for enrolment (deadline: 20 August 2025)
The 2025 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) opens for enrolment on 9 July 2025. Hong Kong start-ups and SMEs are welcome to join the contest, seizing the opportunity to expand into the Mainland market. The deadline for enrolment is 20 August 2025.
The MiCHK 2025 is jointly organised by the DPO of the HKSARG, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs. It is formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME's Promotion Association For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. For more details about the contest, please visit makerinchina.hk/.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/09/P2025070800528.htm.
For more recent news, please visit the "What's New" web page of the SUCCESS Website or the "News" web page of the SME Link.
Topical Issues
Support Measures relating to Liquidity
In view of the cash-flow pressure of SMEs, SUCCESS has compiled a summary of support measures relating to liquidity.
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SME ReachOut
“SME ReachOut”, a dedicated service team operated by HKPC, has commenced operation since 1 January 2020 to enhance SMEs’ understanding of the Government’s funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government. The team would help SMEs identify funding schemes that suit their needs, and answer questions relating to applications.
The Government has allocated $100 million to HKPC to gradually enhance the services of “SME ReachOut” in the ensuing five years starting from 2023. HKPC has enhanced the services of “SME ReachOut” in October 2023, including arranging visits to more chambers of commerce, commercial and industrial buildings and co-working spaces, and increasing the publicity in social media so as to step up the promotion of government funding schemes. At the same time, more one-on-one consultation sessions will be provided to assist SMEs in applying for government funding and building their capacities, focusing on areas such as ESG, technology transformation, digitalisation and cyber security, with a view to enhancing their competitiveness through leveraging new technologies.
For further information or enquiries on “SME ReachOut”, please contact “SME ReachOut” Hotline / WhatsApp (Text Message Only) at 2788 6868 or email by sme_reachout@hkpc.org or visit https://smereachout.hkpc.org/en.
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
To support enterprises to develop the markets of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through electronic commerce (e-commerce) business, the geographical coverage of “E-commerce Easy” was expanded to the 10 ASEAN countries on 14 March 2025.
The HKPC as the BUD Fund implementation partner regularly organises seminars/webinars in order to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the BUD Fund, including “Easy BUD” and “E-commerce Easy”. For more details of the BUD Fund, please visit its website (www.bud.hkpc.org/en) or contact the HKPC at 2788 6088.
Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS) of ICAC
A good governance system is vital for SMEs' effective operation, and can help sustain their company image and hence counterparts' confidence in doing business with them. The Corruption Prevention Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched the Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS). The CPAS is a specialised unit dedicated to providing tailor-made, free and confidential corruption prevention advice on system control in common business areas such as procurement and staff administration. Enterprises can access its user-friendly web portal (https://cpas.icac.hk/EN/) for details of the services and to get timely and useful resources on corruption prevention such as staff code of conduct, corruption prevention guides and tools, case studies, quick tips and red flags. To receive regular updates on corruption prevention, please click here to subscribe to the CPAS e-news.
Free IP Consultation Service
The IPD, supported by the Law Society of Hong Kong, now provides FREE One-On-One IP Consultation Service for SMEs. To obtain more information and/or apply for the Service, please visit IPD's dedicated website "Hong Kong – Regional IP Trading Centre": https://ip.gov.hk/en/home/consultation-service/index.html.
Business News
GDETO Newsletter
The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.
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Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland
The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations. The latest CICs have been published.
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