Published on 1 February 2026

Hong Kong: Import and customs requirements

Hong Kong has a very liberal imports policy. In principle, customs duties are only levied on alcohol, tobacco, tobacco products, fuels, methyl alcohol and vehicles. For vehicles, however, this only applies if they are intended for use in Hong Kong, and not for resale. You can find the tariffs online.

Green and Red Channel system

Green Channel

If you proceed to the Green Channel at customs, it is assumed that you do not have anything to declare, i.e. that you are not carrying any dutiable or controlled goods or that your dutiable goods do not exceed the duty-free concession entitlement.

For example:

1 litre of alcohol over 30 ‰ per person aged 18 or above
19 cigarettes
1 cigar or 25 grams of tobacco

Red Channel

If you proceed to the Red Channel at customs, it is assumed that you have something to declare, i.e. that you are carrying goods that are controlled or exceed the duty-free concession entitlement (see ‘Green Channel'). Information on goods that must be declared is available on the customs authorities’ website under ‘Controlled Imports’.

It is prohibited to import the following goods:

Drugs and psychotropic substances
Certain chemicals and antibiotics
Weapons, ammunition and fireworks (see section on 'Weapons')
Certain commodities and rough diamonds
Certain animals, plants, endangered species
Certain telecommunications equipment, e.g. radios
Game/meat and poultry
Milk powder (ban also applies to exports)
E-cigarettes and similar products

Attention

Be sure to comply with the regulations of the customs authorities! Importing prohibited goods can be punished with several years' imprisonment and fines of up to CHF 60,000, depending on the severity. Clarify any questions before entry directly with the customs authorities or with the corresponding embassy or consulate in Switzerland (see 'Entry and visa regulations')!

Customs and Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department's website provides information on import regulations.

Import and Export Ordinance

The Import and Export Ordinance contains detailed information on import and customs regulations.

Hong Kong Customs

Red and Green Channel system

Pay attention to the Red and Green Channel system when importing goods.

Motor vehicles

Information on importing motor vehicles and the import conditions can be found on the website of the transport authority. The Transport Department provides information on the conditions for registering a new vehicle.

Bans and limits on certain items

Certain items are prohibited or require special permission to be imported into Hong Kong.

Removal goods

Here is information on importing private household goods into Hong Kong.

Customs and Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department provides information on the procedures for making declarations, clearance of imports and exports, and applying for import licences.

Weapons

Importing weapons and ammunition is highly restricted in Hong Kong. It is subject to strict import restrictions and prior authorisation (weapons licence and import permit).

Pets

A special permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is required prior to entry in order to import pets such as dogs, cats and birds. This must be submitted in person or by post.

Swiss banking services for Swiss citizens abroad

Current situation

In view of stricter international regulatory requirements in recent years, financial institutions have become increasingly sensitive to potential legal and reputational risks, especially in relation to cross-border banking services. Swiss financial institutions therefore provide no or only limited access to certain financial services to individuals living outside Switzerland. Nevertheless, subject to local and Swiss legal provisions, many still offer current accounts to Swiss nationals living in various countries.

Talk with your bank as soon as possible about your options

The relationship between customers and their bank is governed by private law. If you are planning to relocate abroad or return to Switzerland, you are advised to talk with your bank to find out what regulations apply in your case and what options best meet your needs.