TID / SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. 2026 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence

The Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (the HKAEE) is led by the Environmental Campaign Committee alongside the Environment and Ecology Bureau and in conjunction with nine organisations, in alphabetical order, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The HKAEE aims to encourage companies and organisations to adopt environmental management, benchmark their performance with the best practices within their sectors, and recognise the achievements of the best-performing companies and organisations.  Except for the Gold Awards winners of 2024 and 2025, all organisations and their key management / operation functions in Hong Kong are generally eligible to apply for the HKAEE, with reference to their core business fulfilling the definition of respective sector(s). The HKAEE is now open for application until 31 December 2026.

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II. HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2026 – Explore Innovation and Seize Opportunities

(This event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 & 20 November 2026)

This event is organised by the HKTDC. TID is one of the Official Partners. Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) is the HKTDC’s flagship entrepreneurship event, bringing together start-ups, business leaders, investors, industry experts and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. This year, E-Day continues with the theme “Where Start-up Dreams Take Flight”, showcasing innovative start-up solutions alongside a diverse programme of exhibitions, seminars, pitching sessions and networking activities. E-Day 2026 will also feature the SME Tech Clinic, which connects SMEs with suitable start-up solutions to address their business needs and support growth through technology and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity – register now to visit for free!

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“Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan” Seminar Series –
Data Privacy Academy x HKCERT
Seminar on “Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats: Prevention Strategies for SMEs and NGOs”

(This seminar will be live-streamed and held at the Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy on 12 November 2026)

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyberattacks and data breach incidents are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing significant challenges to SMEs and non-profit-making organisations (NGOs), many of which operate with limited resources. In view of the same, the Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy has collaborated with the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), under the auspices of the HKPC, to organise this seminar as part of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD)’s “Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan” Seminar Series, with a view to enhancing the capabilities of SMEs and NGOs in addressing emerging cyber threats and privacy risks.
 
This seminar also marks the inaugural event of “Data Privacy Academy x HKCERT – Free Data Security Training Series for SMEs and NGOs”.

This seminar will share the latest trends and developments of cyber threats and cyberattacks, examine real-life personal data breach cases involving SMEs and NGOs, and offer practical guidance on preventing and responding to data breach incidents. In addition, the speakers will introduce practical cybersecurity tools and resources to help organisations strengthen their cyber resilience, enhance incident response capabilities, and foster a robust culture of data security governance.

SMEs from all sectors, NGOs, IT professionals and members of the public with an interest in data security issues are welcome to attend. This seminar is free of charge. Enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

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Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) (Event)

(This event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 16 and 17 November 2026)

Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), co-organised by the HKSARG and the HKTDC, is a flagship supply chain annual event, bringing together stakeholders along the supply chain, including air freight, maritime and logistics service providers, and shippers (brands, manufacturers, traders and distributors, etc.) from around the world, to exchange market intelligence and explore global business opportunities. (Admission fee is required. This event will be conducted in English and Putonghua with simultaneous interpretation.)

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HKTDC African Market Day (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 November 2026)

This seminar is organised by the HKTDC. Africa’s growing economies offer exciting business opportunities across a wide range of sectors. In light of this, the HKTDC is organising the African Market Day to help SMEs grasp the latest developments in the African market, gain practical insights into market entry, and learn business expansion strategies. This event will bring together market experts, business leaders and representatives from African countries to share insights on Africa’s economic outlook, emerging opportunities and practical strategies for market entry and expansion, helping enterprises gain a deeper understanding of the African market and seize the business opportunities arising from local development. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua with simultaneous interpretation in English.)

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Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy: IP101 IP Basics

(This course will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 & 20 November 2026)

This intellectual property (IP) course organised by the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy is now open for registration.

"IP101 IP Basics" introduces the basic knowledge of various IPs, aiming to enhance participants’ understanding of the rights and responsibilities of IP owners and users, and strengthen their ability to protect and manage IP assets within organisations. Lecture topics of the course are: IP Fundamentals, IP in E-commerce, Importance of Copyright and Designs in the Era of AI, Management and Exploitation of Trade Marks, How Patent Protects Your Invention, Trade Secrets Protection and Legal Framework, and Basic Concepts of IP Trading. 

The course is an event of the "Business of IP Asia Forum 2026".  Each successful course applicant will be entitled to a complimentary pass of the Forum.  (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, with simultaneous interpretation service in English provided.)
 
This course is free for members of the “IP Manager Scheme PLUS”. Enterprises registered in Hong Kong can fill out the online form to join the Scheme for free, getting priority in course registration and special offers for their staff joining the IP Training Programme. Participants will receive an electronic certificate upon completion of the 1.5-day course.

Established by the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) in collaboration with the Vocational Training Council, the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy will deliver a more systematic and widely recognised training programme, with more diversified and in-depth content. It will offer training options with varying breadth, depth, and focus, tailored to both market and policy needs.

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The 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Intellectual Property Trade Expo and International Geographical Indications Products Trade Expo

(This event will be held in Guangzhou from 26 to 28 November 2026)

The event is co-organised by the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (Guangdong Intellectual Property Administration), The People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality, the IPD of the HKSARG, and the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. With the theme “Wisdom in the GBA, Innovation for the Future”, the event features the Kick-off Ceremony, 6 Exhibition Zones and 8 Thematic Events, covering different topics including patents, trade marks, copyright and geographical indications. 

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Seminar on Productivity Assessment for Employees with Disabilities under the Statutory Minimum Wage Regime

(This seminar will be held at the Lecture Hall of Hong Kong Space Museum on 4 December 2026)

This seminar is organised by the Labour Department. The seminar will introduce details of the productivity assessment for employees with disabilities under the Minimum Wage Ordinance. Employers, persons with disabilities and their family members as well as representatives from rehabilitation organisations are welcome to attend. Admission is free. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese with sign language interpretation service provided.)

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United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 gazetted

The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 (Amendment Regulation), which came into operation on 6 November 2026.

 "The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2825 in respect of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," a Government spokesman said.

The amendments renew the arms embargo, travel ban and financial sanctions.

The HKSARG has long 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/202611/06/P2026110600238.htm.

United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 gazetted

The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 (the Amendment Regulation), which came into operation on 6 November 2026.

"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 2819 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 and scope of individuals and entities in respect of a travel ban and an asset freeze.
 
The HKSARG has long 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/202611/06/P2026110600236.htm.

Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2026 gazetted

The Government published the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the Bill) on 6 November 2026 to facilitate the digitalisation of "Business-to-Business" (B2B) trade documents.

A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said, "The Bill puts into effect the measure announced in the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address to promote the digitalisation of B2B trade documents, so as to reduce administrative costs for businesses and improve the traceability of trading activities, with a view to maintaining and strengthening Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international trading centre."

The Bill makes reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. It provides a legal framework aligned with international standards for the digitalisation of transferable documents (common examples include bills of lading, bills of exchange and promissory notes), thereby fostering the wider use of electronic transferable records on the basis of functional equivalence with their paper counterparts. The Bill provides for the option of using electronic documents and does not replace paper documents compulsorily.

The Bill will add a new Part to the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) specifically applicable to electronic transferable records. The new Part will largely follow the framework of the MLETR, as well as the principles of functional equivalence and technological neutrality, and address the notions of uniqueness, control, and reliability in an electronic environment through reliable methods.

The spokesman added, "A total of 13 jurisdictions have enacted legislation modelled on the MLETR, including some of Hong Kong's key trading partners such as the Mainland, France, Singapore and the United Kingdom. As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong must ensure that its legal regime is aligned with international standards so as to keep pace with the global trend of trade digitalisation. The Bill will help promote cross-boundary interoperability and create a favourable environment for the industry to develop technological solutions according to practical needs, thereby enabling Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge in the era of digital trade."

The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for First Reading and Second Reading on 18 November 2026.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202611/06/P2026110600186.htm.

Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2026 gazetted

The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2026 (the Order) was gazetted on 6 November 2026 to subject the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited (Park Company) to more stringent anti-corruption control than a private organisation through having it being specified as a public body defined in the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) (POBO).

The Order specifies the Park Company as a public body. Consequentially, all directors of the Board of Directors and employees of the Park Company will become public servants under the POBO, who will be subject to more stringent controls in the dealings relating to their work in the Park Company including prohibition from soliciting or accepting any advantage. Furthermore, persons having dealings with the Park Company will be subject to the relevant sections of the POBO which make bribery and corrupt dealings in connection with public bodies and public servants under various circumstances an offence.

A spokesperson for the Development Bureau said, "The Park Company is wholly owned by the Government through the Financial Secretary Incorporated, and is responsible for the development and operation of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park with a view to bringing in more industries in an accelerated manner to the Northern Metropolis (NM). In the light of the Park Company's public function of attracting enterprises and promoting investment in the NM and the need for it to interact with external parties, it is in the public interest to regulate it as a public body under the POBO. In fact, Schedule 1 of the POBO currently specifies over 140 public bodies, including some similar organisations responsible for driving industry development."

The Order will be tabled before the LegCo at its sitting of 11 November 2026 (Wednesday). Subject to the negative vetting by the LegCo, the Order will commence operation from 29 January 2027.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202611/06/P2026110500518.htm.

Expansion of Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong

With effect from 3 November 2026, the Government will expand the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong.

Since the regularisation of the Scheme with effect from 1 March 2025, the Scheme has been well-received by the legal and dispute resolution sector and the international arbitration community. It has successfully facilitated international and cross-border arbitral proceedings conducted in Hong Kong, strengthening Hong Kong's position as a premier international arbitration hub. Under the original Scheme, relevant individuals are allowed to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors without the need to obtain an employment visa/entry permit if they are in possession of a letter of proof (Letter) issued by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution in Hong Kong or a designated venue provider proving that the relevant individuals are eligible persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong.

Building on this success and having regard to rapid growth of demands, the Scheme is now expanded to cover arbitral proceedings physically taking place in Hong Kong (including the hybrid ones, i.e. conducted partly physically and partly virtually) and administered by dispute resolution institutions or permanent offices set up in the Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan or overseas and supported by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution in Hong Kong under the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In this context, "supported by" means that a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution would provide venue, hearing or meeting facilities and ancillary services such as services of tribunal reporters and interpreters, translators and caterers to support the arbitrations administered by such a dispute resolution institution or permanent office set up in the Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan or overseas.

For the newly covered arbitral proceedings, the designated arbitral and dispute resolution institutions in Hong Kong offering support are required to verify the identity of the participants in the arbitral proceedings and issue the Letter to those eligible persons.

Save for the above, all other existing requirements and eligibility criteria under the Scheme remain unchanged and apply equally to the newly covered arbitral proceedings under the Scheme so expanded. Where applicable, users of the Scheme following the expansion are still required to apply for the requisite visit visa/entry permit in order to enter Hong Kong. The five categories of eligible persons covered by the Scheme are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for participating in arbitral proceedings for a period not exceeding the period for which they are permitted to remain in Hong Kong as a visitor. They shall produce the Letter upon inspection by the Immigration Department (ImmD) or the relevant authorities, if required.
 
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has issued the updated Guidance Note to the above-mentioned designated arbitral and dispute resolution institutions in light of the expansion of the Scheme. For more details, please visit the DoJ website.
 
A spokesperson for the DoJ said, "The expansion of the Scheme provides further convenience to eligible persons covered by the Scheme. It incentivises parties to choose Hong Kong as the place to conduct arbitration, thereby bolstering Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading arbitral seat."

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202611/03/P2026110300285.htm.

DoJ launches lawtech funding scheme to enhance lawtech application capability of legal sector (Deadline: 29 January 2027)

​The DoJ officially launched the Funding Scheme for LawTech Solution Subscription by the Hong Kong Legal Sector (Scheme) on 3 November 2026. The Scheme aims to encourage the Hong Kong legal sector to enhance their capability to adopt lawtech to fortify Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Eligible applicants can now apply to the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong for funding. The deadline for application is 29 January 2027.

The Scheme, launched by the DoJ, is a policy initiative under the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. The Scheme will be managed by the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association, including approving applications and releasing funding. Sole practitioners or Hong Kong law firms with no more than five partners, and barristers with no more than seven years of call are eligible for application.

Eligible applicants can select suitable services from the designated list of lawtech service providers. The list covers a variety of lawtech services provided by 14 local, Chinese Mainland and overseas service providers, including legal research, document generation and drafting, workflow management and hearing support. The Scheme operates on an actual-expense reimbursement basis, providing funding for each eligible applicant up to $20,000 for a one-year subscription of the services.
      
The application process is simple and consists of four steps:
      
 (1)    Eligible applicants select a service provider from the list and obtain a written price quotation;
      
(2) Eligible applicants submit their applications to their respective legal professional bodies (i.e. the Hong Kong Bar Association or the Law Society of Hong Kong);
  
(3) The relevant legal professional body will notify the applicants of the result in writing. Upon receiving the approval notification, the applicant can subscribe to the selected designated service; and
      
(4) Eligible applicants submit proof of subscription and payment to their respective legal professional bodies to apply for reimbursement.
      
To ensure the effectiveness of the Scheme, lawtech service providers under the Scheme will provide transparent price lists, as well as ongoing technical support and training.
      
The Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairman of the Consultation Group on LawTech Development, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that promoting the use of lawtech is a key policy initiative of the DoJ. Since last year, the DoJ has hosted five rounds of the LexGoTech Roundtables, receiving extensive feedback from the sector, academics, and the relevant stakeholders regarding the adoption of lawtech and the development of the legal sector. Furthermore, the DoJ notes that small and medium-sized law firms, as well as junior barristers, are particularly concerned about the financial burden of adopting lawtech tools. The Scheme is launched to respond to the needs of the sector.

Noting that small and medium-sized law firms currently account for about 88 per cent of all Hong Kong law firms, while barristers with less than seven years of call make up about one-third of the total practicing barristers, Dr Cheung said that the Scheme will help lower the barrier for them to adopt lawtech, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong's legal sector.

Dr Cheung added that the Hong Kong LawTech Fest 2026 was held during the Hong Kong Legal Week 2026 (4 to 6 November 2026). Designated service providers under the Scheme will participate in the LawTech Exhibition and conduct live demonstrations at the Insight Stage. He urged members of the sector to register for and attend the Hong Kong LawTech Fest 2026 to learn about the practical applications of lawtech.

Relevant information, including Scheme details and application guidelines, has been uploaded to the dedicated webpages of the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association. Interested applicants are welcome to browse the webpages.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202611/03/P2026110300252.htm.

Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 gazetted

The Government published in the Gazette the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the Bill) on 30 October 2026.

The Bill seeks to amend the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO) and its subsidiary legislation, in order to enhance the real estate investment trust (REIT) regime by introducing a statutory mechanism similar to that under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) for companies to undertake restructuring or compulsory acquisition. The Bill will also enhance the market misconduct and disclosure regimes for collective investment schemes that are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (Listed CISs), by expressly providing that the provisions in the SFO relating to relevant regulatory regimes also cover Listed CISs, in addition to listed companies.

"The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in continuing to strengthen its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre. The Government has long been committed to reinforcing our leading position in this area. The relevant amendments under the Bill on enhancements to the REIT regime will enhance the competitiveness and liquidity of the Hong Kong REIT market, thereby supporting industry development. On the other hand, clear and holistic market misconduct and disclosure regimes can help strengthen investor protection and confidence, enhance market integrity and robustness, and support the long-term development of the fund industry," a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.
      
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 11 November 2026.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/30/P2026103000569.htm.

Government announces measures to combat bid-rigging in building maintenance and renovation projects

Based on the report of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Security Bureau and the CEDB, joined by the Hong Kong Police Force, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Competition Commission, announced on 30 October 2026 the proposal to criminalise bid-rigging in building maintenance and renovation projects, as well as enhanced measures to combat relevant bid-rigging. 
 
For details, please refer to the press release at https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/30/P2026103000392.htm.

Extension of period off stay for holders of APEC Business Travel Card

The ImmD announced on 30 October 2026 that, with effect from 1 November 2026, the visa-free period of stay in Hong Kong for holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) who have obtained pre-clearance from the HKSAR will be extended to 90 days.

An ImmD spokesman said, "The APEC Business Mobility Group (BMG) has announced that five participating economies of the ABTC Scheme, namely the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; the Philippines; and Singapore, will extend the maximum period of stay for visiting ABTC holders from 60 days to 90 days, with a view to further enhancing the effectiveness of the ABTC. The specific implementation timeline will be determined by the relevant economies. Our country will implement the new arrangement from 1 November 2026."

The spokesman continued, "In line with our country's implementation date, with effect from 1 November 2026, ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from the HKSAR will have their maximum visa-free period of stay in the HKSAR extended from 60 days to 90 days. Other immigration arrangements regarding the entry of ABTC holders into the HKSAR will remain unchanged."

At present, there are 19 economies participating in the ABTC Scheme, namely Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Chile; the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; and Vietnam. In addition, the United States and Canada are transitional members of the ABTC Scheme and do not process pre-clearance applications referred by other participating economies. ABTC holders are still required to meet relevant entry requirements, including applying for necessary visas (if applicable).

Hong Kong residents holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport are eligible to apply for an ABTC from the ImmD. Applicants must be bona fide business persons who need to travel frequently to APEC economies for short-term business visits, have no criminal record and have never been refused entry to any of the participating economies.

An ABTC is normally valid for five years. ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from relevant participating economies can enjoy a visa-free period of stay for not less than 60 days. ABTC holders may also use the special service lanes at selected control points of the participating economies for speedy immigration clearance.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/30/P2026103000200.htm.

Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 gazetted

The Government published the Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the Bill) on 30 October 2026 to enhance the protection for cetaceans appearing in Hong Kong waters.

The Bill proposes to grant the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation power to designate, where necessary, an area within Hong Kong waters as a Temporary Marine Restricted Area (TMRA) for safeguarding the health or well-being of cetaceans in the designated area, as well as to impose restrictions or prohibitions on persons, vessels and activities within the TMRA. The Bill also introduces new offences and enforcement powers against non-compliance of control measures within the TMRA.

"The presence of cetaceans, especially whales, often attracts significant public attention and draws people to approach them for viewing. The presence of people and vessels near an injured or stranded cetacean may cause disturbance or distress to it, hinder rescue operations and pose risks to the safety of other marine users. The Bill aims to empower the Government to implement appropriate control measures in a swift and flexible manner when necessary, with a view to enhancing the protection of cetaceans and safeguarding the safety of other marine users," a spokesman for the Government said.

In addition, the Bill proposes conferring legal status on the current Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching (Code), so that the proof of contravention with the Code may be admissible as evidence in legal proceedings related to hunting and wilful disturbance of protected wild animals under section 4 of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). This will facilitate prosecution and strengthen the protection for local dolphins.

The Government consulted the Nature Conservation Subcommittee of the Advisory Council on the Environment, and the LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs on the Bill on 30 June and 10 July 2026, respectively. Members of the Subcommittee and the Panel expressed support to the proposed amendments. Other relevant stakeholders also generally supported the legislative proposal.

The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading on 11 November 2026.
  
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/30/P2026102900477.htm.
 

 

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