CUSTOMS NEWS
2010 June • Issue No.42 http://www.customs.gov.hk
THE COMMISSIONER SPEAKS
A recurrent theme of the Customs modern day customs has an News in recent years has been the increasingly important role to play changing role and transformation in facilitating trade and helping of customs service. In this issue, business. In many parts of the we carry a number of articles world, customs is no longer seen which highlight the new role and as an obstacle to trade but a responsibilities of the Hong Kong valuable partner of the business Customs service. community: business needs customs to maintain the safety The World Customs Organization and security of the international (WCO) has chosen the theme supply chain and enhance the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of “Customs and Business: efficient movement of goods enforcement and protection of Improving Performance through across borders; customs needs consumer interests, for example, Partnership” for this year’s the support and co-operation in recent years. The award of International Customs Day (ICD) of the business community to WCO Certificates of Merit was which was held on January 26. protect the community and only a small gesture to give Traditionally, WCO Certificates promote economic growth. recognition to those individuals of Merit are awarded to customs and organisations who have officials at the ICD to recognise Leveraging on our unique made valuable contributions to their distinguished service to advantage as a free port, Hong promoting and fostering the close customs. This year we saw for Kong Customs has been at the customs and business partnership the first time ever the award of forefront of building partnership that has been a hallmark of WCO Certificates of Merit to non- with the business sector. Regular Hong Kong’s success as an customs related individuals and dialogue with and knowing the international trade and logistics organisations in recognition of needs of our business operators centre. their contribution to promoting have enabled us to provide a co-operation between customs most customer friendly clearance and business. procedure for our trade and business. The success of this The choice of the ICD theme strong customs and business and the decision by the WCO partnership has been extended to award WCO Certificates to other customs activities with of Merit to outside individuals very good results. Without the and organisations this year strong support and co-operation is in response to the growing of the business sector, Hong Kong recognition that, instead of the would not have been able to make Richard Yuen traditional “tax collector” role, the big strides that it has made in Commissioner
Commitment and Excellence 1 HK CUSTOMS CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY
Hong Kong Customs held a reception on January 26, 2010 to celebrate the 2010 International Customs Day (ICD). The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen, officiated at the reception ceremony. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau (seventh right), and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen (sixth left), with the representatives of organisations and the Hong Kong Customs officers who are awarded the World Customs The theme of the 2010 ICD Organization Certificates of Merit for their significant contributions to promoting customs-business partnership. is “Customs and Business: Improving Performance Through Partnerships”. Echoing the Also speaking at the reception, At the reception, Mrs Lau theme, the World Customs Mr Yuen said this year’s ICD was presented the WCO Certificates Organization (WCO) Certificate different from previous celebration of Merit to the Consumer Council, of Merit was for the first time days. six business sector organisations awarded to business sector and three officers of the Hong representatives during the “The choice of the theme and Kong Customs in recognition of reception. the decision to award the WCO their notable contributions to the Certificates of Merit to outside implementation and enhancement Stressing the importance of a individuals and organisations of the “customs-business partnership between the Customs reflects a growing recognition partnership”. and business, Mrs Lau said Hong within and outside the Kong's success was due in no international Customs community About 350 guests, including small measure to its having an that Customs has an important Executive Council and Legislative efficient and business-friendly role to play not only in protecting Council members, government Customs service. public revenue and the security of officials, Consuls General, the borders but also in facilitating foreign Customs attaches, “We must continue to promote trade and promoting economic Customs representatives from the partnership between Customs and growth. It also represents Mainland and Macau and private business so that we appreciate recognition that through building sector stakeholders, joined the each other's concerns. Moreover, partnerships with the business celebration. by working together, we can community, we could achieve improve performance by possibly better Customs compliance lowering the need for Customs through less regulation, creating a inspection and reducing the cost win-win situation for all," Mr Yuen of doing business,” she said. said. Customs Liaison Bureau
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 2 3 CUSTOMS CONSUMER PROTECTION BUREAU COMBATS SHORT-WEIGHING ACTIVITIES WITH ASSISTANCE OF HK POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
One of the major responsibilities of that the electronic platform was Hong Kong Customs is to protect installed with a remote control consumer interests and to uphold device and adjusted with a a fair trade environment. The non-standard conversion unit. Customs Consumer Protection Unscrupulous scrap traders could Bureau of Trade Controls Branch easily change the readings by plays an important role in simply pressing the remote control enforcing relevant legislation. to make the weight of the scrap paper shown by the scales less The Bureau consists of three The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, than the actual weight by 10% to divisions: the Weights and Mr Richard Yuen (right), presents a souvenir to 38%. the President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic Measures Division, Consumer University, Professor Timothy Tong. Goods Safety Division, and With the support of HKPU’s A common trick is the use of Toys and Children’s Products advanced technology and inaccurate scales. In 2009, Safety Division, which enforce testimony from the university’s Customs officers found some the Weights and Measures experts, about 30 unscrupulous unscrupulous scrap traders using Ordinance, the Consumer Goods scrap traders were prosecuted by manipulated electronic platform Safety Ordinance and the Toys Hong Kong Customs for infringing scales. They adjusted the scales and Children’s Products Safety the Weights and Measures by using the remote control during Ordinance respectively. Ordinance and the platform scales transactions. involved were confiscated in Customs officers of the Weights 2009. At the beginning, the officers and Measures Division tackle found it quite difficult to short-weighing activities by In appreciation of HKPU’s differentiate which scales had carrying out spot checks and contribution to helping Hong Kong been modified. By posing as investigations to ensure that Customs to protect consumer scrap vendors, the officers traders use accurate weighing rights, the Commissioner of identified targets with intelligence equipment for trade and sell Customs and Excise, Mr Richard and also information from goods by weight, number or Yuen, together with the Head of complaint cases. In a series measure fairly. of operations, a batch of suspected During spot checks and dubious scales was investigations of complaint cases, seized. the officers found that some unscrupulous traders employed The seized scales tricks, such as using inaccurate were then sent for weighing equipment, blocking examination by customers from seeing the scales, the Department weighing the goods quickly so of Electrical that customers could hardly see Engineering of Hong the indicator of the scale, and Kong Polytechnic mixing sub-standard products University (HKPU). Head of Department of Electrical Engineering of HKPU, Professor with good ones. Ho Siu-lau (left), demonstrates the examination of a manipulated Results showed electronic platform scale to Mr Yuen (second left), and other members from the Trade Controls Branch.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 3 the university's expertise and At the laboratory of the technology. Department of Electrical Engineering, Professor The delegation was received by Ho demonstrated to the the President of HKPU, Professor delegation their latest projects, Timothy Tong, Vice President such as Smart Railway (Academic Development), Condition Monitoring System, The manipulated electronic platform scales seized from scrap traders. Professor Suleyman Demokan, Environmentally Friendly Electric Associate Vice President, Vehicle and High Efficiency Trade Controls, Mr Cheung Sai- Professor Alex Wai, and Head Induction Cooker. yin, and other members from the of the Department of Electrical Trade Controls Branch, paid a Engineering, Professor Ho Siu- visit to the university’s Department lau. Professor Tong briefed the of Electrical Engineering on delegation on the latest research December 3, 2009 to see how projects and development of the cheating devices installed in HKPU. They also discussed future Consumer Protection the scales were discovered with co-operation. Bureau
CUSTOMS PASSING-OUT PARADE
A passing-out parade was held at various years of service. Six of the Customs and Excise Training them were promoted through School on April 1, 2010 with nine the “Special Appointment probationary inspectors and 94 Scheme” (SAS) or the “In-service Customs officers being inspected Appointment Scheme” (IAS) by Assistant Commissioner while the rest came from open (Administration and Human recruitment exercise. Officers with Resource Development), Mr five years’ service in the rank of Leung Koon-wah. Chief Customs Officer (CCO), or Assistant Commissioner (Administration officers with three years’ service and Human Resource Development), Mr Speaking at the ceremony, Mr and relevant qualifications are Leung Koon-wah, inspects the probationary inspectors and Customs officers. Leung encouraged the graduates eligible to apply to the schemes. to uphold justice and integrity when performing duties, to work Application requirements for the “Special Appointment Scheme”: professionally with courtesy as a) five years’ service in the rank of CCO; well as to take “life-long learning” b) (i) a pass in both English and Chinese Language at Form 2 level or as their untiring learning attitude so as to keep pace with the ever- equivalent; or changing social environment and (ii) a pass in the Government Standard Chinese Examination the sustainable development of - Intermediate I and Government Standard English Examination Hong Kong. - Intermediate I, or equivalent; c) good overall performance in the preceding five years; Among the graduates, all of the d) the debarring effect for promotion and appointment derived from the nine probationary inspectors punishment under any disciplinary action has been nullified; and came from serving Customs e) profound knowledge of Customs work and exceptionally good Officer (CO) Grade officers with leadership.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 4 5 Through the SAS and IAS, the staff morale, so as to serve the Department hopes to promote a community with “Commitment “life-long learning” attitude among and Excellence” – the motto of the serving officers. The schemes also Department. serve as recognition of serving officers with good potential Customs and Excise and abilities and help motivate Training School
Application requirments for the “In-service Appointment Scheme”: a) three years’ service in the Service, b) five subjects at Grade E or above in the Hong Kong Certificate of Mr Ho Wing-kuen (left) and Ms Lee Lam- wai (right) were promoted through the “SAS” Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent; and the “IAS” respectively. Mr Ho joined the c) Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language (Syllabus Service in 1981 as a CO and was promoted to CCO in 1998. He was promoted to the rank of B) in HKCEE, or equivalent, if these subjects are not included in (b) above; inspector through the “SAS”. Ms Lee joined the Service in 2005 as a CO and was promoted d) good overall performance in the preceding three years; and to the rank of inspector through the “IAS”. e) the debarring effect for promotion and appointment derived from the punishment under any disciplinary action has been nullified.
HK CUSTOMS AND NCAC SIGN CO-OPERATIVE ARRANGEMENT AGAINST ON-LINE PIRACY
Hong Kong Customs entered arrangement against Internet into the first-ever Co-operative piracy to further strengthen the Arrangement with the National co-operation. Copyright Administration of the People's Republic of China Both administrations agreed to (NCAC) on March 19, 2010 to provide mutual administrative strengthen the protection of on- assistance and to exchange Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Tam Yiu-keung (right), line copyright. Representing information to enhance exchanges documents with the Director Hong Kong Customs to sign investigation capability in General of the Copyright Division of NCAC, Mr Wang Ziqiang, after signing the Co-operative the Co-operative Arrangement copyright protection within the Arrangement. was Assistant Commissioner ambit of their respective laws, (Intelligence and Investigation), powers and resources. Under Intellectual Property Department, Mr Tam Yiu-keung, while NCAC the Arrangement, the two and met with representatives of the was represented by the Director administrations would meet copyright industry to understand General of the Copyright Division regularly to review the co- their work in protecting copyright in of NCAC, Mr Wang Ziqiang. operation in the fight against on- Hong Kong. line piracy. The Department has joined hands with NCAC in the fight against During their stay in Hong Kong, optical discs piracy since 2002. Mr Wang and his six-member Given the solid co-operative delegation visited the Intellectual partnership, the Department and Property Investigation Bureau Intellectual Property NCAC signed the co-operative of Hong Kong Customs and the Investigation Bureau
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 5 HK AND MAINLAND SIGN AGREEMENT ON CUSTOMS FACILITATION MEASURES FOR WINE
The Commissioner of Hong Kong enhanced continuously in Customs and Excise, Mr Richard recent years. Meanwhile, co- Yuen, and the Vice Minister of the operation between the two General Administration of Customs customs administrations in the of the People’s Republic of China, valuation of alcoholic products Mr Sun Yibiao, signed a co- and data exchange was highly operation agreement on facilitation fruitful. While the Hong Kong measures for wine entering the and Mainland Customs had Mainland market through Hong been maintaining a close co- Kong on February 9, 2010. operation, these customs facilitation measures for wine The Financial Secretary, Mr would further accelerate the The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang (third left), the John C Tsang, the Secretary trade development between Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, for Commerce and Economic the two places. Mrs Rita Lau (second left), the Permanent Secretary for Development, Mrs Rita Lau, Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Miss Yvonne Choi (first left) and and the Permanent Secretary The facilitation measures are the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central for Commerce and Economic open to registered traders in People's Government in the HKSAR, Ms Guo Li (first Development (Commerce, Industry Hong Kong and the Mainland. right), witness the signing of the co-operation agreement on February 9 on customs facilitation measures on wine and Tourism), Miss Yvonne Choi, Wine traders can apply to by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard witnessed the signing of the co- be the registered exporters Yuen (fourth left) and the Vice Minister of the General operation agreement. and importers respectively, Administration of Customs, Mr Sun Yibiao (second right). and enjoy customs facilitation Speaking at the signing ceremony, measures. The main features of while the Mainland Customs will Mrs Rita Lau said that Hong the facilitation measures include: register their Mainland importers. Kong's zero wine duty policy and Hong Kong Customs will assist TID favourable business environment - pre-valuation of wine duty: to verify registration applications in helped create room for wine registered importers in the Hong Kong. Hong Kong Customs traders in the territory to tap the Mainland may request Mainland will act as the contact point for Mainland market, and that the Customs for advance valuation of the Mainland and TID on matters signing of the agreement would duty 10 working days before the of registration and exchange of enhance co-operation between the wine shipment is exported from information under the facilitation Hong Kong and Mainland Customs Hong Kong to the Mainland. When scheme. The Department will on wine-related matters, and fortify the shipment arrives at a Mainland also provide verifications for the Hong Kong's position as a regional boundary point, Mainland Customs Mainland upon request. wine trading and distribution hub. will complete the clearance procedure within specified The facilitation measures will “We are very grateful to the timeframes; and be implemented as a pilot in General Administration of Customs Shenzhen in the second quarter of for their support. The measures to - expediting the clearance 2010. After trying out the scheme be put in place will help enhance process at Mainland ports: for in Shenzhen for six to nine months, transparency and certainty in doing registered importers who do not the two sides will review the business, thus facilitating Hong choose to use the pre-valuation situation and consider extending Kong's wine traders who wish service, Mainland Customs will the scheme to other major to expand their operations in the shorten the clearance time at the Mainland cities such as Shanghai, Mainland,” Mrs Lau said. Mainland boundary points. Guangzhou and Beijing.
Mr Sun said that the scope, Under the facilitation scheme, the level and quality of co-operation Trade and Industry Department between the Hong Kong and (TID) will be responsible for the Office of Dutiable Mainland Customs had been registration of Hong Kong traders Commodities Administration
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 6 7 IPR CARD HOLDER DESIGN COMPETITION CUM “YOUTH AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR” CEREMONY
The Commissioner of Customs ceremony was organised. and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen, officiated at the “Respect In 2009, different training Intellectual Property on the and educational activities Internet” Card Holder Design were organised under Competition cum “Youth the YAS, including visits Ambassador of the Year” prize to animation production
presentation ceremony held at the studios, video shooting The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen (eighth left), the Deputy Director of Intellectual Property, Mr Y-Theatre of Youth Square in Chai workshops, Customs Peter Cheung (seventh left), the Assistant Commissioner Wan on January 16, 2010. More facilities and the card- (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Tam Yiu-keung (seventh right), Head of Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, than 400 eminent representatives holder design competition Mr Albert Ho (sixth left), and representatives of 11 youth uniformed organisations officiate at the prize presentation from the intellectual property and movie shows, to ceremony for the "Respect Intellectual Property on the Internet" Card Holder Design Competition and "Youth rights (IPRs) industry, leaders strengthen members' Ambassador of the Year". and members of the 11 youth knowledge of IPRs. He noted that Hong Kong uniformed groups under the Customs had been joining with Youth Ambassador Against The Card Holder Design other government departments, Internet Piracy Scheme (YAS) and Competition was jointly organised including the IPD, and the participating student groups in by Hong Kong Customs and the copyright industry in boosting the card competition attended the Intellectual Property Department public respect for IPRs, especially ceremony. (IPD) to encourage creativity and among youngsters, through civic strengthen public awareness of education and various publicity The YAS was initiated by Hong intellectual property rights. More activities, including the YAS. Kong Customs in 2006 in than 800 students, YAS members collaboration with the copyright and the “I Pledge” Campaign Also officiating at the ceremony were industry. Some 200,000 members had submitted entries. the Deputy Director of Intellectual members of 11 local youth The winning designs were Property, Mr Peter Cheung, the uniformed organisations joined produced for distribution to the Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence the scheme which was aimed at public. and Investigation), Mr Tam Yiu-keung, promoting a sense of respect for the Head of the Intellectual Property IPRs works among young people. Speaking at the prize presentation Investigation Bureau, Mr Albert Ho, ceremony, Mr Yuen said that and representatives of the 11 youth As a round-up for the year of the the fight against piracy activities uniformed organisations. scheme and a recognition for the would never be successful without efforts of the supportive Youth the co-operation and support of Ambassadors, an “Ambassador various sectors in society. Intellectual Property of the Year” prize presentation Investigation Bureau
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 7 HK CUSTOMS ATTENDS 2010 1ST APEC SUB-COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS PROCEDURES MEETING
The Assistant Commissioner Customs procedures, application 2010 Ease of Doing Business - (Excise and Strategic Support), of information technology in Trading Across Borders capacity Mr Yu Koon-hing, led a four- Customs clearance and Customs building programme, which aims member delegation of Hong Kong intellectual property rights (IPRs) at sharing best practices on Customs to attend the 2010 enforcement at the border. efficient trade processes for cross First APEC Sub-Committee on border trade. The meeting also Customs Procedures (SCCP1) Staff Officer (Special Duties), Mr endorsed Hong Kong Customs Meeting in Hiroshima, Japan from Leung Shung-chi, and Divisional to work with Japan Customs in March 2 to 5, 2010. Commander (Trade Descriptions developing initiatives for Customs Investigation), Mr Koon Hon- administrations of the APEC At the meeting, members of the chuen, presented to the meeting member economies to share delegation exchanged views the new “Road Cargo System” experience and best practices on with Customs delegates of other and Hong Kong Customs’ role IPRs border enforcement. member economies on major and strategy in IPRs enforcement. international Customs issues, Before attending the SCCP1 including international supply In 2010, Hong Kong Customs Meeting, Mr Yu and Divisional chain security and facilitation of and Singapore Customs will Commander (WCO and APEC), Mr legitimate trade, simplification of jointly help organise an APEC Mak Tak-wing, also participated in the APEC Workshop on Global Value Chains on March 1, 2010.
Through active participation in the APEC meetings and workshops, Hong Kong Customs is keeping its finger on the pulse of the developments of Customs initiatives in the APEC forum.
Assistant Commissioner (Excise and Strategic Support), Mr Yu Koon-hing (sixth left, front row), with other delegates of the 2010 First APEC SCCP Meeting. Customs Liaison Bureau CHANGE OF FEMALE UNIFORM HAT
From April 1, 2010, female differences between the Uniform Customs officers put on a new Scales of male and female officers uniform hat with a green serge have also been tallied. The uniform surrounding, the brim folding up at hats and other items in the Scale the back and the front part slightly for female are now extended to the inclining downwards. rank of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. The change reflects joint efforts The new female uniform hat comes under of the staff and management to Having accomplished its spotlight at the passing-out parade on April 1, upgrade the professional image historic mission since 1981, the 2010. of the Department and to make obsolete hat was kept in the the hat more comfortable to wear. Customs Museum as part of the Office of Service Taking this opportunity, the slight Department’s heritage. Administration
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 8 9 News in Snapshot - Conference/Visit
VISITS OF NIGERIAN CUSTOMS SERVICE AND INDIAN CUSTOMS
To maintain closer co-operation also visited Customs facilities Excise, Mr Luke Au Yeung, and with counterparts to strengthen at the Hong Kong International Acting Assistant Commissioner international enforcement Airport, Shenzhen Bay Control (Intelligence and Investigation), action against illegal activities, Point, Kwai Chung Customhouse Ms Kwok Ngan-ping, to exchange Hong Kong Customs receives and Customs Marine Base. views on enhancements delegations from time to time from in intelligence sharing and overseas enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the Director investigative assistance. General (Directorate of Revenue The Comptroller General of Intelligence) of Indian Customs, The delegation also visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Ms Vijai Lakshmi Sharma, Shenzhen Bay Control Point and D.I. Abdullahi, led a 15-member visited Hong Kong Customs the Air Passenger Terminal to delegation to visit Hong Kong on February 18 and 19, 2010. grasp the latest developments Customs from February 22 Leading a 5-member delegation, of the air mode and land mode to 24, 2010 to get the latest Ms Sharma met with the Deputy clearance operations of Hong developments of the Department. Commissioner of Customs and Kong Customs. During the visit, Mr Abdullahi met with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen, and other directorate. The delegation
Acting Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports), Mr Leung Lun- Mr Abdullahi (seventh right), together with other delegation cheung (centre), and Acting Head of Land Boundary Command, Mr Tang members, visits the airport and is briefed by Acting Head Yi-hoi (first right), introduce the facilities of Shenzhen Bay Control Point to of Airport Command (ninth right), Mr Edmond Cheng. Ms Sharma (second right) and the delegation. HK CUSTOMS ATTENDS 7TH MEETING OF THE HEADS OF WCO REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRES
Senior Staff Officer (Training and Customs Organization (WCO) WCO Regional Training Centres Development), Mr Liu Cheung- Regional Training Centres at the in India, China, Japan, Korea, shing and Inspector of the Office National Academy of Customs, Malaysia and Hong Kong reported of Training and Development, Mr Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) in the work of their training institutes Kong Hoi-kit, attended the 7th Faridabad, India on December 21 and exchanged views on training Meeting of the Heads of World and 22, 2009. Participants from matters during the meeting. Officials from the WCO and the WCO Regional Office of Capacity Building also participated in the meeting to review the 2009 achievements and take forward the regional training activities to be organised in 2010. Mr Liu (second left, front row), with the participants from WCO Regional Training Centres.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 9 News in Snapshot - Visit
STUDY VISIT TO MONETARY AUTHORITY OF MACAO
In order to prepare for the Training and Development. the issues relating to licence implementation of a new application and related verification regulatory regime for regulation During the visit, the delegation work, supervisory challenges of remittance agents and money gained a better understanding as well as issues on controlling changers (RAMCs) in Hong Kong, of the operational issues of the unlicensed RAMCs. the Customs’ Trade Controls regulatory regime, including Branch Special Project Planning Team (TSPT) visited the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) on January 29, 2010 to understand in detail the regulatory regime for RAMCs in Macao, and their supervisory work.
The delegation was led by the Head of TSPT, Mr Chan Chi- keung, and consisted of six members, including four from TSPT and two from the Office of Mr Chan (fourth left), with AMCM Deputy Director, Mr Wilson Vong (fifth left), and officers of both sides.
VISIT TO KOREA CUSTOMS SERVICE
To enhance the human The visit also helped the officers foster their networking with resources management and to broaden their horizons and overseas enforcement agencies. training systems of Hong Kong Customs, four Customs officers from the Office of Training and Development, and the Office of Service Administration visited the Korea Customs Service (KCS) in Daejeon, Korea from February 23 to 26, 2010 to learn their newly designed and implemented personnel management system The delegation led by Assistant Staff Officer (Higher Training), Mr Lee Yuen-man (third left), and training programmes. was received by the Director General of Korea Customs Service, Mr Chung Il Sok (fourth left), and Director of Korea Customs Service, Mr Kim Jai Il (second left).
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 10 11 News in Snapshot - Training
TRAINING OFFICIALS FROM POLICE AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS VISIT CETS
A total of 23 officers from Police College and Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development visited Customs and Excise Training School (CETS) on January 29, 2010. Apart from visiting the facilities of CETS, the officers took the chance to share their training experiences. Senior Staff Officer (Training and Development), Mr Liu Cheung-shing, who received the visitors, noted that the visit provided a good platform for different training officers to share their training experiences and best
practices with their counterparts. Mr Liu (left) receives a souvenir from a representative of the visiting officers.
“SEAFREIGHT OPERATIONS” TRAINING COURSE
Hong Kong Customs joined with Association”. the officers on various aspects the Vocational Training Council including the contemporary (VTC) in organising a training course Customs officers from PMC, practices in the logistics industry on “Seafreight Operations” for 30 the Office of Training and so that the officers could apply Customs officers on March 24, 2010. Development, and the Intelligence the knowledge in their daily Bureau attended the course. duties such as cargo clearance, The course was jointly developed The VTC lecturers and the case investigation, intelligence and designed by the Port and logistics industry practitioners analysis as well as training and Maritime Command (PMC) and had good discussions with development. Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi) of the VTC with the assistance of Hong Kong Center for Transport and Logistics and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong.
It covered various topics including “Freight Forwarding”, “Liner Operation & Third Party Logistics”, “Insurance & Liability”, “River Trade & Mid-Stream Operations”, “Containerisation & Container Leasing”, and “Updates on
Seafreight Industry and Trade A total of 30 Customs officers attend the “Seafreight Operations” course.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 11 News in Snapshot - Community Participation
INTEGRITY WORKSHOP FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND MOTOR VEHICLES INDUSTRIES
In order to foster an open, and the private sector, the Office Workshop for the business transparent and productive of Prosecution and Management partners of dutiable commodities relationship between Customs Support and the Office of Dutiable and motor vehicles industries on Commodities March 2, 2010. This workshop Administration was also aimed at echoing the of Hong Kong Revised Arusha Declaration Customs (2003) adopted by the World and the Customs Organization (WCO) Independent for promoting integrity at the Commission international level. More than 30 Against managers from the industries Corruption attended the workshop to jointly organised learn how to develop in-house the Third measures to strengthen integrity in Integrity their organisations.
More than 30 participants from the industries attend the workshop.
YOUNGSTERS TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION
The annual general meeting of To foster closer co-operation could take part in the Protection the Intellectual Property Rights between Hong Kong Customs and of IPRs on the Internet Creative Protection Alliance (IPRPA), chaired the intellectual property rights (IPRs) Competition, which was jointly by Assistant Commissioner industry, it was endorsed at the organised by Hong Kong Customs (Intelligence and Investigation), meeting that members of the Youth and IPRPA. Participants are required Mr Tam Yiu-keung, was held on Ambassador Against Internet Piracy to submit proposals with creative March 30, 2010. Scheme (YAS), aged from 15 to 18, ideas on IPRs enforcement and education.
The competition is open for submission of entries from May 4 to June 14. Eleven winners of the competition will join a study tour to Japan in late August to deepen their understanding of the work and contributions of intellectual property protection through visits to Japanese institutions and cultural exchange.
Mr Tam (fourth left), chairs the meeting.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 12 13 News in Snapshot - Community Participation
EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO 2010
Hong Kong Customs participated in the Education and Careers Expo 2010 from February 4 to 7, 2010. A booth on Customs’ work and recruitment information was set up by the Office of Training and Development, the Office of Service Administration and the Trade Controls Branch at the Expo. Officers of the Customs Detector Dog Division also stationed at the booth to explain their job duty to visitors. The Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, was well received with over The Customs booth set up at the Careers Expo introduces the work and recruitment information to the public. 100,000 visitors.
HK CUSTOMS STRENGTHENS CO-OPERATION WITH INDUSTRIES AGAINST ILLICIT FUEL AND CIGARETTE ACTIVITIES
To demonstrate Customs’ Ltd., Shell (HK) Ltd., Sinopec (HK) Ltd., Japan Tobacco (HK) Ltd., and determination in combating illicit Ltd., British-American Tobacco (HK) Philip Morris Asia Ltd. fuel and cigarette activities with the industries, Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Tam Yiu-keung, signed agreements with representatives of the oil and tobacco industries in mid- January this year to renew the reward schemes, which aimed at encouraging the public to report illicit fuel and cigarette activities.
The participating oil and tobacco companies are Chevron (HK) Ltd.,
Chinaoil (HK) Ltd., Exxonmobil (HK) Mr Tam (second right), signs an agreement with representatives of the tobacco industry.
Commitment and Excellence Commitment and Excellence 13