The pending US order to change the labeling on goods manufactured in Hong Kong to say ‘Made in China’ is unreasonable and uncivilized, said Edward Yau Tang-wah, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) commerce and economic development secretary.

HKSAR government officials have suggested potential alternatives such as “Hong Kong, China” and are awaiting a response, Yau said

“They are unnecessary and rather unreasonable,” Yau said at an industry event in Hong Kong Monday. “They want the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label to disappear. It’s unfair and rather uncivilized.”

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The US Customs and Border Protection in an Aug 21 notice extended the start date for the new rule by another 45 days through Nov 9 “in an effort to allow importers ample time to comply.”

HKSAR government officials have suggested potential alternatives such as “Hong Kong, China” and are awaiting a response, Yau said.

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While only a small proportion of the HKSAR exports to the US will be affected, it will greatly impact local manufacturers who do most or all of their business with the US so the issue cannot be ignored, Yau said.