Mainland Visitors Get to Spend More in Hong Kong With Increased Duty-Free Allowance

The duty-free allowance for Mainland citizens travelling from Hong Kong to the Mainland has been increased.

The central government approved the increase in the duty-free allowance for baggage items brought into the Mainland by Mainland travellers arriving from Hong Kong from RMB5,000 to RMB12,000. This approval came after a thorough review and consideration of the proposal from the Hong Kong SAR government. An additional RMB3,000 allowance for duty-free goods purchased at port entrance duty-free retailers remains the same, increasing the total duty-free amount to RMB15,000.

Agreement Welcomed Everywhere

Chief Executive Mr John Lee expressed profound gratitude to the national government for its unwavering support and care for Hong Kong. He acknowledged enacting several policies that have bolstered the city’s economic growth.

The new policy will apply to six land ports starting July 1. This includes Lo Wu, Futian (Lok Ma Chau Spur Line), Shenzhen Bay, West Kowloon Station (for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link), and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. It has since taken effect beginning August 1.

The new measure will improve the shopping experiences of Mainland visitors to Hong Kong while also promoting the city’s retail environment and boosting the local economy. According to estimates, the new agreements will increase Hong Kong’s retail spending by HK$8.8 billion to HK$17.6 billion, adding between HK$2.7 billion and HK$5.4 billion in value-added. This increase in retail spending will likely lead to a boost in local businesses, job creation, and overall economic growth.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pledges full support to the new arrangements with promotional campaigns to inform Mainland visitors and relevant trades. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will also organise a summer promotional event on July 11, offering incentives for sightseeing, transport, dining, and consumption discounts. All additional large-scale consumption and promotion initiatives will receive full support, encouraging more participation and boosting the local economy.