Public reminded to not burn wax, fly sky lanterns or litter
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) reminds people to keep places clean, not burn wax or put lit candles on the ground, grass pitches or beaches, not throw glow sticks or other objects onto trees, and not fly sky lanterns while celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
People littering at LCSD venues such as parks, beaches and barbecue sites are liable to a penalty of $3,000, while the maximum penalty for burning wax, throwing objects onto trees or flying sky lanterns is a fine of $2,000 and 14 days' imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025
Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).
The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.
In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.
Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.
Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases