What Changed
- Signing of the Memorandum of Co-operation on November 6, 2026, between Hong Kong Customs and Guangzhou Customs District.
- Implementation of a regulatory model where Hong Kong Customs issues Certificates for Transhipment Confirmation for eligible fruit consignments.
- Operational alignment with GACC regulations for fruit transhipments that took effect on November 1.
On November 6, 2026, Hong Kong Customs and Guangzhou Customs District signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) concerning the regulation of air-to-air transhipments of fresh fruits routed through Hong Kong International Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The agreement affects international fruit traders, logistics service providers, and air cargo carriers utilizing cross-boundary trade routes within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The MoC was signed by the Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) of Hong Kong Customs and Excise, Mr Lie Yan-ning, and the Deputy Director General in Guangzhou Customs District, Mr Zhuo Hantao. The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior officials, including Hong Kong's Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; Vice Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, Mr Zhang Rui; Director General in Guangzhou Customs District, Mr Li Quan; and Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), Mr Bi Kexin.
The agreement complies with the GACC's regulatory requirements for fruit transhipments, which took effect on November 1. Under the new regulatory model, Hong Kong Customs will issue Certificates for Transhipment Confirmation for eligible fruit consignments. This procedure ensures that transhipped fruits remain in their original packaging alongside their original phytosanitary certificates, facilitating smooth clearance while upholding compliance standards.
During the two-day visit, Commissioner Chan met with Director General Li Quan to discuss deepening customs collaboration. The delegation also conducted site visits to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse to observe the integration of smart technologies in passenger, air cargo, and cross-boundary horse clearance operations.
Who May Be Affected
Fresh fruit traders, logistics companies, air cargo carriers, and customs brokers operating transhipment routes between Hong Kong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Cross-Border Context
Establishes institutional customs cooperation between Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong province under the Greater Bay Area framework to facilitate cross-boundary agricultural logistics.
What to check next
- Specific application guidelines and eligibility criteria for logistics providers seeking Certificates for Transhipment Confirmation from Hong Kong Customs.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.