Hong Kong
Key advice
Hong Kong is a free port: no customs duties apply to photographic equipment, regardless of its value. The only categories taxed are alcohol, tobacco, hydrocarbon oils, and methyl alcohol. No special procedures are required for underwater photographers.
- Customs authority
- Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A (port franc total)
- ATA Carnet
- Accepted
- Official website
- customs.gov.hk ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Hong Kong with a GoPro Hero 11 and its waterproof housing, with a total value of approximately €600. Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), simply proceed through the 'Nothing to Declare' channel. No customs procedures are necessary as Hong Kong is a free port. There is no risk; you won't have to pay any taxes on your photo equipment, regardless of its value.
You arrive in Hong Kong with a Sony A6700 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, totaling around €3,500. As with the beginner scenario, you'll use the 'Nothing to Declare' channel. There are no specific customs formalities for this type of equipment. Hong Kong does not levy customs duties on electronic or photographic equipment. There is no risk whatsoever.
You're carrying a complete system including a Canon R5 full-frame camera, a Nauticam housing, two lenses (macro and fisheye), and aluminum arms, with an estimated value of €12,000. Despite the high value, the procedure remains the same: pass through the 'Nothing to Declare' channel. An ATA Carnet is accepted but completely unnecessary in Hong Kong for this type of equipment, as no customs duties are applicable. You will not have to pay any taxes or make any declarations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my high-value underwater photography equipment to Hong Kong customs?
No, it is not necessary to declare your underwater photography equipment, regardless of its value, to Hong Kong customs. Hong Kong is a free port and does not impose customs duties on photographic or electronic equipment. You can proceed through the 'Nothing to Declare' channel.
Is an ATA Carnet mandatory or recommended for my professional gear in Hong Kong?
An ATA Carnet is accepted in Hong Kong, but it is neither mandatory nor truly recommended for underwater photography equipment. Given that Hong Kong is a free port and applies no customs duties to these items, an ATA Carnet offers no practical advantage for avoiding non-existent taxes.
What items are subject to customs duties in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, only four types of goods are subject to excise duties: alcohol, tobacco, hydrocarbon oils, and methyl alcohol. All other goods, including photo and video equipment, are exempt from customs duties. For more information, please refer directly to the official website: https://www.customs.gov.hk/