HZMB Fresh Food Clearance Expands to 24-Hour Operations Starting October
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Centre for Food Safety confirmed Monday that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will extend fresh food import clearance to 24 hours per day starting October 1, marking a significant expansion from the current 16-hour window . The move aims to provide the food industry with greater flexibility in arranging delivery schedules for perishable goods arriving from mainland China .
Key Points
- The extended clearance hours take effect at 00:00 on October 1, 2026, replacing the existing 16-hour daily window
- Vehicles transporting designated fresh food categories—including chilled and frozen poultry, meat, game, eggs, dairy, fresh aquatic products, vegetables, and fruits—may now enter Hong Kong via the HZMB at any time
- The Centre for Food Safety will continue conducting inspections at the Hong Kong boundary crossing point, including document verification, physical examinations, and food sample testing
- Man Kam To border crossing maintains its current fresh food import arrangements with no changes
- The policy originated from industry requests for scheduling flexibility and subsequent negotiations between Hong Kong and mainland food safety authorities
Why It Matters
The 24-hour clearance window eliminates previous time constraints that forced suppliers to rush deliveries or store goods temporarily, potentially reducing spoilage and operational costs for the fresh food supply chain serving Hong Kong's markets and restaurants .
The 24-hour clearance window eliminates previous time constraints that forced suppliers to rush deliveries or store goods temporarily, potentially reducing spoilage and operational costs for the fresh food supply chain serving Hong Kong's markets and restaurants .