An importer, namely E8 Electronics Company Limited, was convicted and fined $60,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (July 27) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) as a result of illegally importing hazardous electronic waste from the United Kingdom again. The company committed the same offence in November last year.
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that, in recent years, the department has been reinforcing its exchanges of intelligence and collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department and nearby countries and regions, as well as updating intelligence in a timely manner and conducting in-depth analyses of it. As a result, with targeted inspections of suspected shipments of imported and exported waste based on a risk-assessment approach, the effectiveness of enforcement has been enhanced.
 
     In January this year, enforcement officers of the EPD once again conducted a targeted inspection of an air cargo shipment imported by the aforementioned importer through Hong Kong International Airport. They successfully intercepted a batch of illegally imported hazardous electronic waste, including around 2 400 waste mobile phone displays and around 170 kilograms of waste batteries, while the air cargo was claimed to contain telecommunication equipment. The EPD immediately returned all the intercepted waste to the place of origin and notified the local enforcement authorities concerned about the return shipment for their follow-up. The EPD also instituted prosecution against the importer involved under the WDO.
 
     The spokesman stressed that waste mobile phone displays and waste batteries are hazardous electronic waste containing various heavy metals and other toxic chemical substances. They are regulated under the WDO. Improper disposal of such waste will cause harm to the environment and public health. The EPD will continue to rigorously combat the illegal import and export of hazardous waste, bring offenders to justice and prevent Hong Kong from becoming a distribution hub for illegally imported and exported waste.
 
     The spokesman reminded importers and exporters of the waste recycling trade not to illegally import (including import into or transshipment through Hong Kong) or export hazardous waste. According to the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to import or export hazardous waste without obtaining a valid permit beforehand. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA on fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Innovation and Technology Commission today (July 27) launched the Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme to subsidise manufacturers to set up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. Eligible companies are welcome to apply.
 
     "To promote re-industrialisation in Hong Kong, the Government has rolled out the $2 billion Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). The aim is to encourage manufacturers to develop advanced manufacturing industries in Hong Kong that are based on smart production with a view to identifying new growth points for the local economy," a spokesman for the Commission said.
 
     Companies incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) are eligible to apply. The Government will provide funding on a 1 (Government): 2 (company) matching basis. The funding ceiling is one-third of the total project cost or $15 million, whichever is lower. The approved funding will be disbursed upon completion of the project.
 
     The scope of funding covers expenses directly related to the establishment of the new smart production line in Hong Kong, including the costs of procurement, installation and commissioning of the machinery, equipment or apparatus, as well as fees for engaging technical consultants for the design and setting up of the production line concerned (testing and staff training costs inclusive).
 
     The Government has set up the Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme Vetting Committee to vet eligible applications. The Committee is chaired by Mr Jimmy Kwok Chun-wah with members from the industrial and commercial sector, the innovation and technology sector, the professional services sector, academia and relevant government departments and public bodies. The membership list is in the Annex.

     The Scheme is open for application throughout the year. Details are available at the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3655 5678; email: rfs-enquiry@itc.gov.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Hang Seng Bank, Limited on fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender notice:
 

 
Note: Licensed Banks interested in participating in the tender for the first time are encouraged to provide US dollar settlement instructions by email (settlementsection@hkma.gov.hk) to the HKMA's Settlement Team in advance, preferably two days prior to the tender. Required information includes name of corresponding bank, name of final beneficiary (must be the Licensed Bank participating in the tender), and account or CHIPS number of a US dollar bank account to be settled in the US. Such information needs to be provided once only, unless there is further change.