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Hazardous Chemicals Control
How are the hazardous chemicals controlled under the Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance?
Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (HCCO) (Cap. 595) regulates, through a permit system, the import, export, manufacture and use of non-pesticide hazardous chemicals that have potentially harmful or adverse effects on human health or the environment. Any person importing, exporting, manufacturing or using a scheduled chemical must hold a valid permit for that chemical issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). In addition, for every shipment of scheduled chemical(s) entering or leaving Hong Kong, an import/export licence is also required under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), to be issued by EPD under delegation from the Trade and Industry Department.
What hazardous chemicals are subject to control?
14 non-pesticide hazardous chemicals are controlled under the HCCO, including:
Type 1 Chemicals
1. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
2. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
Type 2 Chemicals
Asbestos :
3. actinolite
4. anthophyllite
5. amosite
6. crocidolite
7. tremolite
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) :
8. hexabromobiphenyl
9. octabromobiphenyl
10. decabromobiphenyl
11. Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT)
12. Tetraethyl lead
13. Tetramethyl lead
14. Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate
How many types of permits are available?
There are five types of permits, including:
- Import Permit
- Export Permit
- Transshipment and Transit Permit
- Manufacture Permit
- Use Permit
Who should apply for HCCO permits?
| Capacity |
Controlled Activities |
Potential Parties
Subject to Control |
| Importer |
Importing scheduled chemical(s) into Hong Kong |
- Local chemical traders
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Testing laboratories
- Carriers who assume the capacity of importer
|
| Exporter |
Exporting scheduled chemical(s) from Hong Kong |
- Local chemical traders
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Testing laboratories
- Carriers who assume the capacity of exporter
|
| Importer & Exporter |
Transshipping / transiting scheduled chemical(s) through Hong Kong |
- Shipping Companies
- Airlines
- Air cargo terminals
- Ground handling agents of airlines
- Express or freight air transport companies
- Carriers who assume the capacity of importer and exporter
|
| Manufacturer |
Manufacturing scheduled chemical(s) in Hong Kong |
- Local chemical manufacturers
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Testing laboratories
|
| User |
Using scheduled chemical(s) in Hong Kong |
- Local industries
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Testing laboratories
- PCB capacitor/transformer users
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For details, please refer to the following pamphlet or guidelines:
Pamphlet for Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance
Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap. 595) Guidelines on Application for Permit to Import, Permit to Export and Permit to Transship / Transit Scheduled Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap. 595) Guidelines on Application for Permit to Manufacture Scheduled Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap. 595) Guidelines on Application for Permit to Use Scheduled Chemicals
Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60) Guidelines for completing Application Form of Import/Export Licence for Scheduled Chemicals
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