Hong Kong Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Hong Kong customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into Hong Kong. Hong Kong operates under a separate customs and taxation system from mainland China, with simplified clearance procedures and minimal duties on most household effects.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Hong Kong, including export packing, sea and air freight, customs documentation and final delivery to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

1. Moving to Hong Kong – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Hong Kong allows duty-free import of used household goods if:

Goods are used prior to shipment
Items are for personal use and not resale
Documentation matches the shipped items and quantities
The consignee is present in Hong Kong at time of clearance

Important: New items, branded goods and electronics can trigger duty and GST-like assessments if deemed commercial.

1.2 Separate System from Mainland China

Hong Kong enforces its own customs regulations. Moving goods into Hong Kong is not the same as moving into mainland China.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Hong Kong ID (HKID) or employment visa recommended
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed packing list / inventory
Proof of overseas residence prior to relocation

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Provide clear descriptions—avoid generic terms like “household goods”
List electronics with brand, model and serial numbers
Separate new and luxury items for possible inspection
Ensure invoices are available for new or high-value goods

H-H Relocations Tip: Hong Kong customs prioritizes documentation accuracy. A clean, well-structured inventory results in faster release.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Hong Kong

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Hong Kong allows the import of motor vehicles but imposes significant registration taxes. Vehicles must meet local emissions and safety standards.

Right-hand drive vehicles only
High First Registration Tax (FRT) applies
Luxury vehicles attract higher assessments

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration documents
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of ownership
Hong Kong address and HKID or visa details

Important: Vehicle import tax in Hong Kong can exceed 100% for high-end cars. Most expatriates purchase locally.

4. Bringing Pets to Hong Kong

Hong Kong permits the importation of cats and dogs subject to vaccination, microchip and country-of-origin rules. Quarantine requirements depend on origin classification.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip identification
Valid rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
Import permit issued by AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department)

Pet Travel Tip: Canada is generally classified as a Group 2 country. Check the latest AFCD rules before traveling to avoid unnecessary quarantine.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Hong Kong is unique in Asia because beer, wine and spirits are duty-free for personal imports. Only high-alcohol-content spirits may require documentation. Commercial quantities are restricted.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco is tightly controlled. Duty applies on cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. All tobacco imports must be declared, and penalties apply for undeclared quantities.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Food imports must meet Hong Kong’s public health and labeling requirements:

Meat, poultry and milk products require permits
Plant-based items may be inspected
Non-compliant goods can be seized or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Some prescription medicines require import permits
Chemicals and hazardous materials are regulated
Radio communication devices may require licensing

Important: Hong Kong inspects electronic media, including storage devices, for obscene or illegal content. Declare restricted items to avoid legal issues.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Hong Kong

Hong Kong bans or restricts the import of the following:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Unlicensed weapons, firearms and ammunition
Obscene publications and explicit media
Counterfeit products and pirated software
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials
Endangered wildlife and products protected under CITES

Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does not ban political materials, but obscenity and piracy laws are strictly enforced.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Hong Kong

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a seamless international move from Toronto to Hong Kong, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare detailed inventories listing electronics and branded items
Keep receipts for newly purchased items
Coordinate delivery timing—space is limited in many Hong Kong buildings
Confirm elevator access for large items in high-rise apartments

7.2 Why choose a Hong Kong relocation specialist

Hong Kong’s customs process is smoother than many Asian destinations, but documentation still matters. Working with a qualified international moving company provides:

Accurate paperwork and customs declarations
Reduced inspection and clearance delays
Door-to-door delivery and condominium access coordination
Support for restricted items, such as media and controlled goods

Relocation Tip: Hong Kong apartments are compact. Measure doors, elevators and hallways before shipping bulky furniture or appliances.

8. Useful Official Links – Hong Kong

Refer to these government portals for updated customs rules:

This guide provides an overview of Hong Kong import requirements. Final customs decisions rest with Hong Kong authorities and regulatory bodies.