FOOD SAFETY

In 2018, Hong Kong’s total exports of processed food and beverages increased by 1% to reach HK$69.3 billion. Mainland China was the largest market for Hong Kong’s processed food and beverage exports, accounting for 41% of the total, followed by Vietnam on 20%. The food and beverages industry in Hong Kong largely centres on re-export activities. In 2018, re-exports accounted for more than 90% of Hong Kong’s total exports of food and beverages. More

Hong Kong’s testing and certification industry has grown substantially since the 1980s. In 2017, the industry comprised of 820 establishments, most of which were private laboratories, employing a total of 18,280 people. Hong Kong is well positioned to act as an independent third party to provide quality certification and product testing services for mainland enterprises to boost the confidence of overseas and local buyers. More

Canadian authorities are seeking input by 4 September on a proposal to simplify and reduce the duplication of food labelling requirements by harmonising certain food commodity-specific requirements and repealing others. More

The Food and Drug Administration is extending through 31 July the deadline for applying to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program for the fiscal year 2020 benefit period, which will begin on 1 October. More