The Customs and Excise Department today (November 15) reminded importers and exporters that import and export declarations for shipments on or after January 1, 2020, must be completed in accordance with the amended classifications made to the current edition of the Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification List (Harmonized System).

     The amendments, published in the Gazette today, will take effect on January 1, 2020.

     The amendments involve two vegetable items.

     These amendments will bring the classifications more in line with current requirements through the introduction and adoption of more appropriate sub-classifications.

     Importers and exporters can obtain the amended list free of charge in the following ways:

(a) by downloading the list from the website of the Census and Statistics Department at www.censtatd.gov.hk/trader/declaration/index.jsp; or 

(b) by calling the Import/Export Declaration and Cargo Manifest Enquiry Hotline of the Census and Statistics Department at 2877 1818. 

     Enquiries can be made to the Trade Classification Section of the Census and Statistics Department through the Commodity Code Enquiry Hotline at 3178 8933, by fax to 2824 2782 or by email to trade-declaration@censtatd.gov.hk.

     Taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and to ensure the safety of patients and staff members, the Department of Health (DH) today (November 15) announced that its daytime clinics will be closed at 5pm and after the completion of booked appointments and consultation.
 
     The evening services of some DH clinics will also be adjusted or suspended today.

     The following evening clinics will be suspended earlier at 6.30pm: East Kowloon Chest Clinic, Kowloon Chest Clinic, Sai Ying Pun Chest Clinic, Shaukeiwan Chest Clinic, Shek Kip Mei Chest Clinic, South Kwai Chung Chest Clinic, Wanchai Chest Clinic, Yan Oi Chest Clinic, Yaumatei Chest Clinic, Yuen Chau Kok Chest Clinic and Yung Fung Shee Chest Clinic.

     The evening dental services of Wan Chai Dental Clinic, Yau Ma Tei Dental Clinic, Sheung Kwai Chung Government Dental Clinic and Pamela Youde Government Dental Clinic in Sha Tin will also be suspended.

     Those with appointments will be given a new appointment.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority today (November 15) announced the following service arrangements:
 
     Out of safety concerns for patients and staff members, tonight's evening services at seven General Outpatient Clinics (see attached table) will be temporarily suspended. Patients with appointments are advised to make a new appointment later. The other 16 clinics providing evening services will close upon completion of booked appointments.

     A spokesman for the Fire Services Department (FSD) said today (November 15) that due to the recent mass gatherings, main thoroughfares and roads in various districts in Hong Kong, including roads in the vicinity of fire stations and ambulance depots, have been obstructed. The barricades have also blocked fire appliances and ambulances from responding to fire and emergency ambulance calls. Amongst all, the services of the Tsim Tung Fire Station, Tsim Tung Ambulance Depot and Kowloon Tong Fire Station cum Ambulance Depot were the most affected.

     The road blockages have seriously affected the emergency services of the department and jeopardised the lives and property of citizens. To reduce the impact brought by the road obstruction on the operations of fire appliances and ambulances, FSD personnel will strive to clear the barricades obstructing the roads near the affected fire stations and ambulance depots today.

     The operation aims to enable the fire appliances and ambulances to provide prompt responses to fire and emergency ambulance calls, safeguarding the lives and property of the general public. The FSD calls on all persons to exercise restraint and co-operate with the operation of its personnel.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 15) that due to special circumstances which have happened nearby, the tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District; the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Science Museum and Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library in Yau Tsim Mong District; and Quarry Bay Sports Centre and Quarry Bay Public Library in Eastern District have been closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members.

     Also taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen, all LCSD libraries in all districts will be closed at 6pm today. Performance venues will be closed after 6pm or completion of events.

     Apart from the Hong Kong Coliseum, all LCSD leisure facilities will be closed at 7pm today (by the end of the second session for swimming pools).

     Apart from the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Science Museum, all museums will stay open until normal closing hours.

     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same districts and any other district which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or contact 1823 in advance.