Hong Kong Customs Chief Leads Delegation to Guangzhou, Witnesses Fruit Transit MOU Signing
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs Commissioner Chan Chi-dao led a delegation to Guangzhou on November 6, 2026, for a two-day visit that included witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Hong Kong and Guangzhou customs authorities on air transshipment of imported fruits. The agreement facilitates the smooth operation of fruit shipments transiting through Hong Kong International Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, complying with new national customs supervision requirements that took effect on November 1. During the visit, Chan met with his Guangzhou counterpart to exchange views on deepening cross-border customs cooperation, while the delegation also toured key facilities to study smart supervision equipment.
Key Points
- Hong Kong Customs Commissioner Chan Chi-dao led a delegation to Guangzhou on November 6 for a two-day visit, meeting with Guangzhou Customs Commissioner Li Quan to discuss deepening customs cooperation
- The memorandum on fruit transit supervision was signed by Assistant Commissioner (Border and Port) Lai Yan-ning and Guangzhou Customs Deputy Director Zhuo Hantao, with Chan and other officials serving as witnesses
- The agreement meets national requirements for transit fruit supervision that took effect on November 1, using an innovative model where Hong Kong Customs issues transit confirmation certificates for qualified goods
- The transit confirmation certificates ensure fruits maintain original packaging and carry original phytosanitary certificates, supporting high-quality development of Greater Bay Area fruit trade
- The delegation visited Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse to examine smart customs supervision equipment for passengers, air cargo and cross-border horses
Why It Matters
The memorandum establishes a streamlined customs supervision framework that positions Hong Kong as a critical transshipment hub for fruit imports entering the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By issuing transit confirmation certificates, Hong Kong Customs gains a formal role in facilitating trade flows that strengthen the city's position as an international logistics centre . The cooperation also demonstrates deepening integration between Hong Kong and mainland customs authorities, potentially serving as a model for expanded collaboration in other trade facilitation areas.
The memorandum establishes a streamlined customs supervision framework that positions Hong Kong as a critical transshipment hub for fruit imports entering the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By issuing transit confirmation certificates, Hong Kong Customs gains a formal role in facilitating trade flows that strengthen the city's position as an international logistics centre . The cooperation also demonstrates deepening integration between Hong Kong and mainland customs authorities, potentially serving as a model for expanded collaboration in other trade facilitation areas.