Business Facilitation Measures Completed

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As at March 2023, 136 measures were completed among the 145 business facilitation measures devised in 2019-20. Please click the name of Bureau/Department to see the details of the completed measures.

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Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Regulatory changes	Amend the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) to empower the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to exercise discretion to consider registering local fishing vessels not possessing a valid operation licence on 15 June 2012	Enabling the registration of genuine local fishing vessels	Fishing	Completed
Use of I&T	Enhance the Plant and Pesticides Licensing System to facilitate e-submission, e-processing, e-tracking and e-payment functions for the application of pesticides licence/permit	Provide a more user-friendly and efficient way in making applications; and enhance transparency of the application process	Multiple Trades	Completed

Buildings Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Streamline the administrative procedures for the registration of building professionals by confirming the minutes immediately after the building professional registration committee meeting	Streamlining the administrative procedures, shorten the processing time for inclusion in the registers of building professionals by about two weeks	Building Professionals	Completed

Civil Aviation Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set performance pledges for new issue and renewal of Certificates of Airworthiness (C of A)	Enhancing the transparency of the licensing process and providing greater certainty to the trades on the time required to obtain a new or renewed C of A	Aviation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for approving low flying applications within 14 working days after the submission of all the required documents	Enhancing the transparency of the application process and allowing sufficient time for the applicants to implement the changes required by the Civil Aviation Department before the commencement of the low flying event	Aviation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for each step of processing authorisation of Senior Authorised Examiners (SAE), covering the time required for scheduling briefings, conducting practical observations as well as issuing Letters of Approval	Enhancing the transparency of application process and allowing applicants to have greater certainty on the time required for getting Letters of Authorisation	Aviation	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for processing applications for Hong Kong Crew Member Certificates	Saving the time and efforts by the applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Civil Aviation Department in vetting these supporting documents	Aviation related trades	Completed

Civil Engineering and Development Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for issuance of the Hong Kong Natural Sand Final User Certificates within 2 working days upon receipt of valid and complete applications and required documents	Allowing applicants to understand the time required for acquiring the Certificates in advance and enhancing the transparency of the licensing service	Import and export	Completed
Strengthening support services	Launch a mobile application allowing contractors and haulers to access transaction records for disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) materials at CEDD's reception facilities	Enhancing communication with contractors and haulers on disposal of C&D materials and increasing the efficiency of related payments	Construction and transportation	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the process of licence and permit applications	Saving the effort of the applicants in making submission and the Civil Engineering and Development Department in vetting supporting documents	Cat. 1 Dangerous Goods industry	Completed

Commerce and Economic Development Bureau

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for applications for seven licences and permits through enhancing the computer system	Saving the effort of the applicants in preparing supporting documents and CreateHK in vetting these supporting documents	Film and entertainment industry	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for application for a Travel Agent Licence by obviating the requirement of submitting the certified true copy of the membership certificate of the Association Member of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong	Saving the time and efforts by the applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Travel Agents Registry in vetting these supporting documents	Travel Agents	Completed

Companies Registry

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for the granting of Trust or Company Service Provider Licences	Enhancing transparency of the application process and providing applicants with information on the expected time required for granting the licence	Financial services	Completed
Streamlining	Introduce a standard application form for registration as a trust company	Facilitating applicants to provide the required information and improves the efficiency of the application process	Financial services	Completed
Streamlining	Introduce a standard application form for registration as a registered trustees corporation	Facilitating applicants to provide the required information and improves the efficiency of the application process	Financial services	Completed
Regulatory changes	Introduce a new limited partnership fund regime	Attracting private equity funds to domicile and operate in Hong Kong to bring more employment and business opportunities to the local funds and related industries while raising Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the investment management business	Multiple trades	Completed
Use of I&T	Enhancement of the Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS) to enable e-submission of applications for a money lenders licence, registration of a trust company, registration of a trustees incorporation, registration of a limited partnership and registration of a limited partnership fund	Saving time and cost of the trade in submitting applications	Financial Services	Completed

Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CreateHK)

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Strengthening support services	Adopt mobile-friendly design in establishing a website for Special Effects Licensing Unit (SELU)	Allowing quick and user-friendly search of information by the trade about licences and permits issued by SELU through mobile devices and enhancing customer satisfaction towards public service	Film and entertainment industry	Completed

Department of Health

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a new performance pledge for licences under the Animals (Control of Experiments) Ordinance (Cap. 340)	Enhancing transparency of the application process and providing applicants with the estimated time required in licence application	Academic and research units of tertiary institutions, hospitals, veterinary clinics and the pharmaceutical industry etc.	Completed
Regulatory changes	Implement third party certification by Registered Professional Engineer for application of change in services involving healthcare engineering systems in registered private hospitals	Providing an option to the trade to adopt the professional services of Registered Professional Engineer in the market and enhancing their flexibility in handling the work of application of change in services involving healthcare engineering systems	Private hospitals	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Provide a performance pledge of handling application of licence for hospital under new Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633)	Enhancing transparency of the application process and providing applicants with information on the estimated time required in licence application	Private hospitals	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for five licence applications	Saving the effort of the applicants in preparing supporting documents and the Department of Health in vetting these supporting documents	Multiple Trades	Completed

Education Bureau

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Streamline the documents required for Application for School Registration	Saving the effort of the applicants in preparing documents and the Education Bureau in vetting these documents through reducing the documents required for submission	Education	Completed

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Compile application guidelines for practitioners (contractor, engineers and workers) to seek registration as qualified persons under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) for undertaking works for mechanised vehicle parking systems	Enhancing the understanding of requirements for seeking registration under the ordinance and increasing participation of the trade in implementing mechanized vehicle parking systems to help alleviate shortage of local car parking spaces	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Update application guidelines for Permit to Use and Operate Kiddie Ride and establish a simplified checklist for better illustration of application requirements	Enabling the applicants to better understand the application requirement to enhance the quality of submissions, resulting in more effective and efficient application processing	Family amusement centre	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Review and update the Codes of Practice on the Design and Construction of Builders’ Lifts and Tower Working Platforms to align with prevailing international practice	Facilitating the trade in meeting the requirement of equipment design and construction and shortening the processing time through simplifying approval procedures	Construction	Completed
Strengthening support services	Upload product information of listed models under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) in machine readable format on the thematic website “Energy Label Net”	Strengthening information support and enhancing transparency of listed models under MEELS to facilitate suppliers of electrical appliances in conducting market analysis and introducing more energy efficient electrical appliances	Suppliers of electrical appliances	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide e-notification function in the e-submission on application for assignment of reference number under Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598)	Enhancing communication with applicants and transparency of the application process	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an e-submission platform and enhance the computer system to provide end-to-end e-licensing services for application of Recognized Certification Bodies	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Certification Bodies	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an online platform and enhance the computer system to provide end-to-end e-licensing services for application of registration of gas installers and permit for conveyance of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders on gas vehicle	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an e-submission platform and enhance the computer system to provide end-to-end e-licensing services for application of Registered Electrical Workers, Registered Electrical Contractors and Competent Persons for Locating Underground Electricity Cables	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an online platform with end-to-end services for application for Registration as Registered Energy Assessor under Buildings Energy Efficiency and for submission of Certificate of Compliance Registration application	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for nine licence and permit applications	Saving time by the applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department in vetting these supporting documents	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an online platform and enhance the computer system to provide end-to-end e-licensing service for applications to become Competent Persons	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Electrical and Mechanical	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an e-submission platform and enhance the computer system to provide end-to-end e-licensing services for application of Recognized Manufacturers	Enhancing transparency, convenience and efficiency of licensing service	Manufacturers of Electrical Appliances	Completed

Environmental Protection Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Use of I&T	Develop an IT system to facilitate trades to submit Notifications under Section 17 for “Part A” Chemical Wastes	Saving the time and costs of waste producers in preparing and mailing hardcopies of applications and improving chemical waste collection efficiency	Chemical Waste Producers	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop an IT system for the Clinical Waste Producer Premises Code Request Form to enable online submission of electronic forms so as to streamline the workflow of the application process	Enhancing business-friendliness of the application process by offering an electronic platform for the trade to make submission online at any time	Medical and Healthcare	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Develop a performance pledge for issuing Waste Export Permits	Enhancing the transparency of the application process and providing customers with information	Waste exporters	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for application for a Marine Dumping Licence by obviating the requirement of submitting a sediment quality report	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden of preparing supporting documents	Building and construction	Completed
Use of I&T	Implement an e-channel for online application for Vehicle Emission Compliance Certificates as well as Exemptions under the Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) Regulations and Noise Control (Motor Vehicles) Regulation and enhance the internal database on application status to facilitate processing of applications	Saving applicants’ time in preparing hardcopies of application forms and supporting documents; shortening the response time to applicants’ enquiries about the application status	Vehicle importers	Completed

Fire Services Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Facilitate the trade by speeding up the processing time for installation of improvised sprinkler systems for restaurants in old composite buildings through parallel processing with the Water Supplies Department	Facilitating the trade by speeding up the processing time	Food Trade	Completed
Streamlining	Assign a dedicated case officer to process each Exemption of Electronic Sports Venue Application	Enhancing customer-friendliness and communication between the Fire Services Department and the applicant by assigning a dedicated case officer to handle individual application	Electronic Sports (E-sports)	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the arrangement for acceptance of fusible links fitted on fire dampers of ventilating system within hotel premises by accepting submission of valid product certification documents instead of conducting practical test by Fire Services Department	Enhancing customer-friendliness and efficiency of licence application	Hotel	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide e-channel for online report on compliance of Fire Safety requirements of ventilating systems	Saving time and cost to the trade by reporting compliance of Fire Safety Requirements for ventilating systems electronically round-the-clock; enhancing efficiency for the licence applications	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving guidance on licence application	Launch a set of checklists for food business licences to stipulate the prior preparations to be taken by the licence applicant to facilitate the process of compliance inspection and to meet the compliance standards of Fire Safety Requirements	Facilitating the trade in understanding the compliance standards of Fire Safety Requirements with a view to increasing the efficiency of compliance inspections and to reducing the number of cases requiring re-inspection	Food Trade	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide e-submission of application for Approved Persons under the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations (Cap. 295B)	Saving time and cost to the trade by submitting applications to the Government electronically round-the-clock	Dangerous Goods Industry	Completed

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Regulatory changes	Relax the licensing requirement of requiring the provision of independent chimney in restaurant if the consumption capacity of solid or liquid fuel for cooking is not significant	Saving administrative efforts of both the trade and the Government in the processing of waiver applications	Food trade	Completed
Regulatory changes	Amend the licensing requirement of restricting provision of cashier within food preparation area for restaurant, factory canteen and food factory licence without compromising public health and food safety	Allowing the trade greater flexibility in meeting operational needs and saving administrative efforts of both the trade and the Government in the processing of waiver applications	Food trade	Completed
Regulatory changes	Does not require to apply for a separate bakery licence if the bakery products are prepared for consumption on a licensed light refreshment restaurant with permission to prepare and sell bakery products	Saving administrative efforts of both the trade and the Government in the processing of extra bakery licence applications	Food trade	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the referral process of applications for alteration and renewal of Places of Public Entertainment Licence (PPEL) (Places other than Cinemas/Theatres)	Ensuring consistency in processing of applications for alteration and renewal of PPEL (Places other than Cinemas/Theatres)	Entertainment	Completed
Regulatory changes	Revise licensing condition of Temporary Food Factory Licence (TFFL) so that licensees can use clean and hygienic utensils instead of new and disposable ones in the sale of takeaway foods	Allowing the trade greater flexibility in meeting actual operational needs	Food trade	Completed
Streamlining	Streamlining the renewal process of PPEL (Cinema/Theatre). To ensure early approval of the licence renewals, upon confirmation that the premises for licence renewal have complied with various safety requirements, the departments concerned will issue a “no objection” advice for the renewal application to FEHD no later than two months before the licence expiration date	Better enabling timely processing of the renewal applications of PPEL (Cinema/Theatre) and minimise the impact of alteration and addition works on licence renewal	Cinema	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the applications for live broadcasting at licensed cinemas by simplifying the application form and the internal approving procedures	Shortening the processing time for application from 4 to 3 working days	Cinema	Completed
Use of I&T	Develop Food Trader Portal (FTP) to facilitate the trade to submit registration as food importers or distributors and applications for import licences and import permission in respect of game, meat and poultry online	Providing a more user-friendly and efficient way in making various kinds of applications. Saving time and cost for the trade in filling in the applications by making use of information captured from previous applications, thus minimising data input efforts and errors; enhancing transparency of the application procedures by the use of e-tracking function by the trade to check the status and records of their applications	Food trade	Completed

Highways Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Provide user guide in video format to assist excavation permit (XP) applicants to understand the operation of the excavation permit management system (XPMS). Users could access relevant video guides by keyword search	Facilitating users to apprehend the operation of the system more easily by following the steps as shown in video guide, hence shortening XP application time	Utility companies and developers	Completed
Strengthening support services	Provide new functions in the XPMS to enhance information which are received by the Highways Department from relevant tree maintenance authorities in addition to LCSD for reference by XP applicants	Saving time for XP applicants to identify the maintenance authorities of the affected trees, hence shortening XP application time	Utility companies and developers	Completed

Home Affairs Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Develop sample layout plans for new licence applications for guesthouses, clubhouses and karaoke establishments indicating what information should be shown on the layout plans to provide applicants with a reference in preparing their layout plan submissions	Enhancing the quality of applicants’ submissions, hence reducing the need for rectifications and re-submissions which is conducive to shortening the processing time	Guesthouses, clubhouses and karaoke	Completed
Regulatory changes	Exempt e-sports venues from the requirements of the Amusement Game Centres Licence and facilitate application by the trade through providing a one-stop service and comprehensive guidance notes for application, streamlining the supporting documents requirement, allowing third party certification and providing e-forms for the applicants	Promoting the development of the e-sports industry while safeguarding public safety	E-sports industry and e-sports venue operators	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for new licence applications, keeping only the essential ones and collecting them by stages	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden of preparing supporting documents	Multiple Trades	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline procedures for application for alteration works at licensed hotels/guesthouses and clubhouses	Facilitate the operators to get approval of alteration works as soon as possible to improve their premises and business	Hotels, Guesthouses & Clubhouses	Completed

Hong Kong Police Force

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for application for Security Personnel Permits (Category C) and Arms Licences for Possession (Security Guard)	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden of preparing supporting documents	Multiple Trades	Completed
Streamlining	Provision of a one-stop service for the filming industry to submit applications for location filming involving the use of modified firearms and blank ammunition	Saving applicants’ time and administrative effort of submitting applications and enhance the efficiency of processing applications	Filming Industry	Completed

Inland Revenue Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Provide a fillable PDF form with a two-dimensional barcode containing the change particulars filled up in the form for the notification of change of business registration particulars	Improving the efficiency and accuracy of updating new business particulars	Multiple Trades	Completed
Strengthening support services	Waive business registration fees for one year for business registration certificates and branch registration certificates with commencement date falling between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 (the Waiver Period), and provide concessionary refunds to businesses that have paid the registration fees for the Waiver Period but are not required to renew their certificates in the Waiver Period	Reducing the operating cost of businesses in view of the uncertain economic circumstances ahead	Multiple trades	Completed

Labour Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Reduce the number of supporting documents required for two licence applications	Saving the effort of the applicants in preparing supporting documents and the Labour Department in vetting these supporting documents	Employment agencies	Completed
Streamlining	Improve the application forms for Application of Employment Agencies (EAs) by removing the items of unnecessary or duplicated information	Saving applicants’ effort in completing the application form and enhancing the accuracy of the information submitted by EAs	Employment agencies	Completed

Lands Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Use of I&T	Further enhance Hong Kong Map Service 2.0 to provide a one-stop electronic platform for online purchase of map products and application for the copyright licence for reproduction of maps/photos in both digital and paper formats	Enhancing customer-friendliness by providing a "one-stop” service for the public; saving the time and cost of users in purchasing map products and land survey records and applying for copyright licences by allowing electronic application round-the-clock through a centralised platform	Multiple Trades including publishers, residential property developers and academia	Completed

Land Registry

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation Streamlining
Strengthening support services	Adopt a new security label with enhanced security features for certificate of registration under regulation 14(2) of the Land Registration Regulations (Cap. 128A)	Reducing the risk of counterfeit certificates of registration and hence the risk of property fraud; enhancing the security of registered property and safeguarding the integrity of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, and adding to Hong Kong’s credibility as a trusted and competitive place for doing business	Multiple trades	Completed
Use of I&T	Enhance e-services of the Integrated Registration Information System (IRIS) to support the digital wallet service using Apple Pay and Google Pay as additional payment channels	Providing greater convenience and better customer experience to the public	General Public	Completed

Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation Streamlining
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for various types of application for Places of Amusement Licences by obviating the requirement of submitting a copy of Business Registration Certificate and copy of HKID of the applicant (if there is no change in the personal particulars of the licensee)	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden of preparing supporting documents	Billiard establishments, public bowling-alleys and public skating rinks	Completed
Regulatory changes	Extend the approval period for extension of business hours for all premises of Places of Amusement Licences (including billiard establishments, public bowling-alleys and public skating rinks) from six months to one year	Providing assurance for a longer approval period to the trades to facilitate their development of longer-term operational and business plans	Billiard establishments, public bowling-alleys and public skating rinks	Completed
Streamlining	Simplify and standardise application forms and documentation required to facilitate application for Places of Amusement Licences including merging application forms, offering e-forms for online submission and providing a checklist on supporting documents required	Saving applicants’ time and administrative effort of submitting applications online; improving the efficiency of processing applications with the provision of the required information in digital form in online applications	Billiard establishments, public bowling-alleys and public skating rinks	Completed

Office of the Communications Authority

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Services-Based Operator Licences	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Telecommunications	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new registration requests for the Class Licences for the Provision of Public Wireless Local Area Network Service	Providing registrants with greater certainty on the time required for processing registration requests to facilitate their business planning	Telecommunications	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new registration requests for the Class Licence for Offer of Telecommunications Services	Providing registrants with greater certainty on the time required for processing registration requests to facilitate their business planning	Telecommunications	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Import and Export Permits	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Export and Import Industry	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Transhipment Notifications	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Export and Import Industry	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Aircraft Station Licences	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Airlines	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Broadcast Radio Relay Station Licences	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Users of broadcast radio relay stations (e.g. local communities, commercial property owners)	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing new applications for Hotel Television (Transmission) Licence	Providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for processing applications to facilitate their business planning	Hotels	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for renewal of Hotel Television (Transmission) Licences and Satellite Master Antenna Television Licences	Enhancing the transparency of the application process and providing applicants with greater certainty on the time required for licence renewal thereby enabling provision of better licensing services	Hotels and Satellite Master Antenna Television contractors	Completed
Use of I&T	Enable e-processing of registration of Class Licences for Offer of Telecommunications Services Licensees to streamline the registration process	Streamlining and enhancing the efficiency of the registration process	Telecommunications	Completed
Regulatory changes	Extend the validity period of Services-based Operator (SBO) Licences from one year to two years	Saving the operating cost and reducing the administrative burden of telecommunications services providers in licence renewal; securing a higher degree of stability to the trade by having an extended licence renewal cycle	Telecommunications	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for application for Maritime Radio (Local Vessel) Licences by obviating the requirement of submitting a copy of the Radio Operator Certificate issued by OFCA	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden in preparing supporting documents	Maritime industry	Completed
Regulatory changes	Streamline the requirements for licensees to publish their tariffs	Reducing compliance cost of the licensees	Telecommunications	Completed

Marine Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Carriage Permit for Dangerous Goods other than Class 1	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Removal Permit for Category 1 Dangerous Goods	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for High Speed Craft Safety Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Passenger Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Certificate of Survey	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Hong Kong Load Line Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Hong Kong Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Hong Kong Air Pollution Prevention Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Hong Kong Air Pollution Prevention Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Survey Records of Safety Equipment Hong Kong	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Multiple Trades	Completed
Strengthening support services	Increase the utilisation rate of the Local Certificates of Competency (CoC) Examination seats by increasing the minimum period of notification for cancellation, postponement or advancement from 5 working days to 10 working days so that the vacated seats can possibly be filled by candidates who wish to take the exam earlier	Better utilising and managing the facilities and resources of the Marine Department in conducting examinations	Multiple Trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Permit to Operate High Speed Craft	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Declaration of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Freeboard Assignment Certificate	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for licence and permit applications, e.g. Composite Permit (Arrival Clearance Permit and Permit to Remain) for Local Vessels and Port Clearance Permit for Local Vessels	Saving time by the applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Marine Department in vetting these supporting documents	Shipping	Completed
Use of I&T	Enable vessel owners and competent surveyors to submit electronic version of Notice of Engagement and Declaration of Survey through the Marine Department’s Electronic Business System	Providing greater convenience and better customer experience to the public	Maritime/ shipping	Completed

Official Receiver's Office

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Obviating the need for applicants to provide a copy of HKID if the application for non-bankruptcy certificate is made in person	Saving time by the applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Official Receiver's Office in vetting these supporting documents	Multiple Trades	Completed

Planning Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Strengthening support services	Open up digital planning data of statutory plans prepared under the Town Planning Ordinance	Allowing data analysis and compilation to enable the preparation of planning applications and carrying out of research	Land use and development	Completed
Streamlining	Revise the Guidance Notes to clarify the submission requirement for renewal of planning permissions to avoid imposing approval conditions which have already been complied with	Saving time for applicants to comply with approval conditions and administration’s processing	Land use and development	Completed

Security Bureau

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for applications for Security Company Licence	Saving the effort of the applicants in preparing supporting documents	Security and Guarding services	Completed
Strengthening support services	Provide e-tracking service in applications of Security Company Licence	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process	Security and Guarding services	Completed

Trade and Industry Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Use of I&T	Provide end-to-end e-services (including e-submission, e-processing, e-tracking, e-payment and e-cert) to facilitate the trade in applying for Textiles Trader Registration	Providing convenience to the trading community, and enhancing efficiency of the processing work	Textiles and Garment	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide end-to-end e-services (including e-submission, e-processing, e-tracking, e-payment and e-cert) to facilitate the trade in applying for Hong Kong Service Supplier Certificate	Providing convenience to the trading community, and enhancing efficiency of the processing work	Multiple services sectors	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide end-to-end e-services (including e-submission, e-processing, e-tracking, e-payment and e-cert) to facilitate the trade in registering as a Rough Diamond Trader	Providing convenience to the trading community, and enhancing efficiency of the processing work	Jewellery industry	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide end-to-end e-services (including e-submission, e-processing, e-tracking and e-cert) to facilitate the trade in registering under the Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme	Providing convenience to the trading community, and enhancing efficiency of the processing work	Import and export industry	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for applications for (i) Import and Export Licence for Ozone Depleting Substances and (ii) Registration as Local Importers of Mainland Cereals and Grain Flour	Saving time of the applicants in preparing supporting documents	Import and export industry	Completed
Regulatory changes	Extend the validity period of Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme registration from one year to two years	Saving the operating cost and administrative efforts of the trade	Transportation industry	Completed
Regulatory changes	Extend the validity period of Registration as a Stockholder of Rice from one year to two years	Saving the administrative efforts of the trade	Rice Trade	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for the application for approval as a rice storage place, informing the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) to conduct inspection within 5 working days after the receipt of the full information of the application; and informing the applicant of the application result within 5 working days after the receipt of the inspection report of C&ED	Enhancing transparency of the application process and providing customers with information on the expected time required for the application	Rice Trade	Completed

Transport Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for vehicle first registration (without third party consultation), aiming at issuing the vehicle registration document within 2 working days upon receipt of the duly completed application with all required documents for 95% of the applications	Enhancing transparency of the application process and providing customers with information on the expected time required for vehicle registration	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for a Movement Permit for a Vehicle, aiming at notification of application result within 30 working days upon receipt of the duly completed application with all required documents for 95% of the applications (Applicable to applications not requiring vehicle examination only)	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a new performance pledge for application for Excess Passengers Permit over the counter, aiming at issuing the permit within 70 minutes upon receipt of the duly completed application with all required documents for 95% of the applications (Applicable to applications not requiring vehicle examination only)	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Long/Wide Load Permits, aiming at notification of application result within 25 working days upon receipt of the duly completed application with all required documents for 95% of the applications	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Expressway Permit, aiming at notification of application result within 30 working days upon receipt of the duly completed application with all required documents for 95% of the applications	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for renewal of Passenger Service Licence (PSL) for school private light bus (SPLB)	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for renewal of Passenger Service Licence Certificate for SPLB	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application of Disabled Person’s Parking Permits, aiming at issuing the permit within 14 working days upon receipt of the application form and all the supporting documents for 95% of the applications	Allowing applicants to have greater certainty on the time required for getting the permit	Private individuals	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for “Kaito” Ferry Service Licences, aiming at notification of application result within 3 months upon receipt of applications and all required information and documents for 95% of the applications	Enhancing efficiency of the licensing process	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Restricted Zone/Prohibited Zone/Bus Lane/Closed Road Permits, aiming at notification of application result within 15 working days upon receipt of all required documents for 95% of the applications	Enhancing transparency of the licensing process to facilitate the trade in business planning	Transportation	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for application for Lantau Closed Road Permits, aiming at notification of application result within 15 working days upon receipt of all required documents for 95% of the applications (Not applicable to applicants under the “Driving on Lantau Island” scheme)	Allowing applicants to have greater certainty on the time required for getting the permit	Multiple trades	Completed
Improving Guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for applications for Lantau Closed Road Permit under the “Driving on Lantau Island” scheme, aiming at notification of application result within 3 working days upon receipt of all required documents for 95% of applications	Allowing applicants to have greater certainty on the time required for getting the permit	Individuals	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for applications of the Excess Passengers Permit, Long Load & Wide Load Permits, and Expressway Permit	Saving time by the individual applicants in preparing supporting documents and by the Transport Department in vetting these supporting documents	Transportation	Completed
Improving guidance on licence application	Set a performance pledge for processing the Parking Certificate Who Carry People with Mobility Disabilities	Allowing applicants to have greater certainty on the application time required	Disabled Persons	Completed
Use of I&T	Enable e-submission, e-tracking, e-processing, e-payment and issue of e-licence of applications for ‘Kaito’ Ferry Service Licence	Providing an alternative channel for applicants to submit applications for ‘Kaito’ Ferry Service Licence	Transportation	Completed
Use of I&T	Enable e-submission, e-tracking, e-processing and issue of e-permits of applications for Restricted Zone Permit / Prohibited Zone Permit / Bus Lane Permit / Closed Road Permit	Providing a more user-friendly and efficient way in making applications; enhancing transparency of the application progress	Multiple Trades	Completed

Water Supplies Department

Nature	Description of Business Facilitation Measure	Expected Benefits	Affected Trade	Implementation status
Use of I&T	Enhance the e-services for application for new Plumbers’ Licences (PLs) with provision of e-submission, e-payment, e-notification functions	Saving applicants’ time and administrative effort of submitting applications for new PLs online; improving the efficiency of processing applications of new PLs with the provision of the required information in digital form in online applications	Plumbing	Completed
Streamlining	Streamline the supporting documents required for applications for Plumbers’ Licences, obviating the need for applicants to provide originals and photocopies of qualifications	Saving applicants’ time and administrative burden in preparing the supporting documents	Plumbing	Completed
Use of I&T	Provide an online application service for new Fishing Licences (FLs)	Saving time and cost to the public as they can submit applications online round the clock and no longer need to come to the service counter in person	Anglers	Completed
Use of I&T	Implement an e-channel for online submission of applications for water supplies to New Village Type Houses using pre-approved standard plumbing design drawings	Enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the application process; shortening the processing time for such applications thus facilitating early approval and commencement of plumbing works	Plumbing works	Completed
Use of I&T	Implement an e-channel for submission of application for General Acceptance of Pipes and Fittings for Plumbing Systems for compliance with the Waterworks Regulations (Cap. 102A)	Saving time and cost to the trade by submitting applications to the government electronically round-the-clock	Suppliers of plumbing materials	Completed

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Last revision date: November 2023

Business Facilitation Measures Completed

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