'Cepa' is China's free trade agreement with Hong Kong. It grants easier access to China markets for Hong Kong-made products, and Hong Kong-based service companies.

1. Duty-free export to China for Hong Kong-made products
1,407 categories of 'Made in Hong Kong' products will be exempt from tariffs when exported to the Chinese mainland. More information.

2. Easier market entry for Hong Kong-based service providers
Cepa covers 28 service sectors and reduces, or removes geographical, financial and ownership restraints. Any nationality company can apply if it:

• Is incorporated in Hong Kong
• Has operated for 3 to 5 years (depending on the sector)
• Is liable to pay Hong Kong profits tax
• Employs 50% of its staff locally
  More information.

Cepa Update Summary by Susan Lavender, Associate, Dibb Lupton Alsop(European-based law firm in Hong Kong)

BENEFITS FOR NON-HONG KONG COMPANIES
Overseas companies, not based in Hong Kong, can take advantage of Cepa by outsourcing to, or partnering with a Cepa-qualified manufacturer or service provider in Hong Kong.

Overseas manufacturers, you do not need an office in Hong Kong to benefit from Cepa. For your goods to qualify as 'Made in Hong Kong', you need only satisfy simple Rules of Origin. In essence, your products must be "substantially transformed" in Hong Kong and the companies must also be registered with the Trade and Industry Department (TID). More information.

If you are a service-provider, you can partner with, or invest in, a Cepa-qualified company to benefit from easier access to the Chinese mainland. More information.

SECTOR-SPECIFIC REPORTS 

CEPA FEATURES

Cepa privileges open doors to the mainland
Italian firm qualifies as Hong Kong service supplier
More business opportunities for overseas firms under Cepa II
Global logistics provider taps Cepa opportunities
'Big four' gear up for post-Cepa rush
World banks localise for first-mover advantage in China
HK & EU business leaders hail Cepa opportunities
Luxury goods group sees Cepa as business generator>>More stories

MORE INFORMATION?
FAQs for overseas companies
For Business Matching with a Cepa-qualified company, contact your nearest TDC office.
For detailed questions, contact the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Departmentat:
T: (852) 2398 5667
F: (852) 35250988
E: cepa@tid.gov.hk