Do you know about the import restrictions, documentation, customs clearance, and tariffs related to the wine industry? Hong Kong has experienced significant growth in the wine industry, driven by various factors such as a strong economy, increasing disposable income, and growing appreciation for wine as a luxury item. Hong Kong is now one of Asia’s leading red wine importers and consumers, with both domestic and imported wine markets thriving. At this level, logistics and transportation play a crucial role in the wine trade. FreightAmigo tells you about import restrictions, documentation, customs clearance, and tariffs for the largest wine exporting countries to Hong Kong, making trade easier!
Author Name:Tiffany Lee – Marketing Analyst at FreightAmigo
Want To Compare The Best Express, Air Freight, Sea Freight, Rail Freight & Trucking Rates So As To Have Better Control On Cost?
Import and Export Trade Situation in the Wine Industry:
Hong Kong has signed an agreement with the Mainland Chinese government, allowing wine to be imported into the Mainland according to the provisions of the “Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement” (CEPA) and various special customs clearance measures, making Hong Kong an unparalleled advantage and a gateway for wine to enter mainland China. It has attracted companies from around the world that engage in the wine industry to do business. Hong Kong is a duty-free port for wine, with a well-connected air transportation network and top-notch storage facilities, making it attractive to Asianinvestors. As Hong Kong is seen as the most cost-effective and convenient distribution center, wine merchants and investors are storing their investment-grade wine in Hong Kong and shipping them to their target markets when orders are received.
-
Import:
Hong Kong imports a large amount of wine every year, including wine from countries such as France, Australia, Chile, Italy, Spain, and Argentina. According to statistics from Hong Kong Customs, the total value of imported wine in the wine industry in 2019 was about HK$5.2 billion.
-
Export:
Hong Kong’s wine exports are relatively low, but the export volume has increased in recent years. Hong Kong’s wine is mainly sold to mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, the United States, and other countries. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the total value of Hong Kong’s wine industry exports in 2019 was about HK$250 million.
Wine Industry and CEPA:
Under CEPA, starting from January 1, 2006, all products originating in Hong Kong, including wine, can be imported into the Mainland duty-free. Freshly produced wine, whose fermentation and production are the main processes defining its origin, must be carried out in Hong Kong to enjoy zero tariff benefits. Regulations applicable to the wine industry include the “Imported Alcoholic Beverage Domestic Market Management Measures” and the “Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products.” Wine labels are regulated by the above regulations, andall information displayed in English must have corresponding Chinese translations, and the Chinese font size must be the same as the English font size. All labels must be permanently affixed to the wine bottle.
Hong Kong Wine Industry – Entry restrictions, tariffs, and documentation for the four major importing countries.
Destination Countries | Commercial Shipment | Tax & Duties | Additional information |
China | 1. Original Certificate of Origin (COO) 2. Original Health Certificate (also known as the Hygienic/Sanitation Certificate) 3. The detailed information on the back labels must be in Chinese and affixed to all wine bottles prior to export and must be prepared by the Chinese Importer of Record (IOR) according to China prepackaged food labelling standards | 1. Import duty of 20% 2. VAT of 17% on the CIF value 3. Consumption tax of 10% on assessable value (CIF + duty + liquor tax) 4. Estimated duty of RMB 50 is applicable for all personal shipments below 12% ABV per bottle 5. Estimated duty of RMB 100 is applicable for all personal shipments exceeding 12% ABV per bottle | N/A |
Singapore | 1. COO from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2. 2. Import Permit (AVA license) from the Singapore Agriculture Food and Veterinary Authority | 1. Duty: Total quantity in litres x excise duty rate x percentage of alcohol strength 2. 2. Duty varies by type of wine and alcohol content 3. 3. GST of 7% on (CIF + duty) | 1. For commercial purposes, the importer must have a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and register his/her intentions with Singapore Customs |
USA | 1. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Importer’s Basic Permit 2. Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) or COLA waiver issued by the TTB unless for testing or under 7% ABV 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prior Notice Confirmation (PNC) 4. Formal entries (more than 2,500 USD) require a continuous or single transaction bond | Duty of 50% of CIF value | 1. VAT of 20 on the CIF value 2. Duty varies by type of wine and alcohol content. (e.g. - Table wine: £2.08 per 750ml - Sparkling wine: (>5.5% < 8.5% ABV): £2.08750ml |
UK | 1. A VI 1 certificate of analysis10 is required when shipping more than 100 litres of the same wine | 1. VAT of 20 on the CIF value 2. Duty varies by type of wine and alcohol content. (e.g. - Table wine: £2.08 per 750ml - Sparkling wine: (>5.5% < 8.5% ABV): £2.08750ml | N/A |
FreightAmigo’s Services for the Wine Industry:
- Visible and controllable logistics management
- One-stop value-added services, simplifying processes
- Your 24×7 private logistics expert
- Automated status updates
- Customized logistics solutions
There Are Different Options For Cargo Transportation. If You Want To Choose The Most Convenient And Suitable Solution, It Is Best To Have The Full Support Of Logistics Experts! If You Are Planning To Ship Goods Overseas, Please Go To The FreightAmigo Page For Inquiries.
Read more:
【Dried Seafood Delivery Strategy】Regulations on Sending Dried Seafood to UK
【Sending Musical Instruments 】Complete Guide to Shipping Musical Instruments
===
If you have any inquiries on logistics/supply chain, feel free to contact FreightAmigo now:
Chat with us online OR
Phone : +852 28121686
WhatsApp: +852 27467829