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Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 22:59
HKSAR govt objects to new US rule on marking of HK products
By Wang Zhan
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 22:59 By Wang Zhan

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Tuesday that it strongly objected to the notice published on the United States Federal Register by the US Customs and Border Protection in relation to origin marking of Hong Kong products.

The HKSAR government said it will carefully consider if the US' measures contravene World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and does not rule out the possibility of taking action 

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the HKSAR government said it will carefully consider if the US' measures contravene World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and does not rule out the possibility of taking action under WTO regulations if necessary to protect Hong Kong's interests.

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A government spokesman said the new rule on origin marking of Hong Kong products, posted on Tuesday, originated from the US President's Executive Order on July 14 and "reflects that the US ignores" Hong Kong's status as a separate member of the WTO. 

“The rule may not be consistent with WTO rules, and it will also not help protect consumers' interest. In fact, it will only cause confusion and affect the interests of all parties, including the US," the spokesman said.

“The special status as a separate customs territory enjoyed by the HKSAR under 'one country, two systems' is conferred by the Constitution of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) and the Basic Law,” he said.

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“It is recognized by multilateral organizations such as the WTO, and is not granted or revocable by an individual country," the spokesman added.

With the new rule taking effect after 45 days, the HKSAR government is clarifying certain important implementation details with the US authorities through the Economic and Trade Office in Washington to decide on the way forward. 

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