BANGLADESH

  1. An SRO has been issued that exempted all duties and taxes for the imports of medical equipment and medicine related to coronavirus.
  2. An office order has been issued to continue customs activities on a limited scale in all customs offices during the lockdown so as to release medicine, medical equipment, foods, etc.
  3. An office order has been issued to accept the soft copy documents while assessing goods those are imported from China. It is under consideration for other countries as well.
  4. However, all customs officers are ordered to stay in the respective customs Stations/Houses to address any emergency situation.
  5. All customs Stations/Houses have also taken initiatives to alert the officials to follow the guidelines of WHO, while working in the desk and/or dealing with the stakeholders at port or/and airport.

CHINA

  1. Ad hoc working structure and mechanisms of GACC against COVID-19

    Following the outbreak of the disease, China Customs has put in place a Command Centre, with GACC Minister as Commander-in-Chief and all Vice Ministers as Deputy Commanders-in-Chief, and a Working Group.

    Led by the Vice Minister in charge of border health and quarantine, the Working Group guides Customs offices across the country to fight the epidemic in line with policies made by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism led by the State Council. The specific functions of the Working Group include launching anti-epidemic plans and measures, coordinating border efforts made by all relevant government agencies, supervising the implementation of anti-epidemic measures, and providing solutions to emergency issues. Under the Working Group are 9 Sub-groups, each led by one department and participated by other relevant departments of GACC.

  2. Measures to contain COVID-19
    1. Around-the-clock tracking and analysis of the epidemic situations. China Customs has been following closely the spread of the disease both at home and abroad, and collecting information through multiple sources. As the disease evolves, experts in a wide range of fields and from various departments are gathered to assess risks and provide guidance for targeted measures at border crossings across the country.
    2. Compulsory health declaration. All cross-border passengers are required to declare to the Customs their health conditions, especially pneumonia-like symptoms and travel and exposure history in the past 14 days. The health declaration form (which can be found in the annex) has been translated into over 10 languages. E-declaration is also available on mobile phone—passengers can declare through an applet developed by China Customs, and scan the generated QR code when passing Customs.
    3. Strict entry/exit health and quarantine measures. All cross-border passengers are subject to a three-step screening approach at border crossings. 1) Passengers are required to declare their health conditions, have their temperature taken, and accept initial health assessment. 2) Those who are found in step one with COVID-19 related symptoms, or from most affected countries or regions, or have been exposed to confirmed cases, will be further screened through epidemiological investigation, medical examination and laboratory testing. 3) Those who are identified in step two as confirmed cases, suspected cases or close contacts, or showing relevant symptoms, will be transferred or quarantined for further treatment or medical observation, in line with the requirements of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism. The three-step approach enables early detection, early report, early quarantine and early treatment. Other major infectious diseases such as Ebola and Lassa fever have also been carefully watched among incoming passengers to prevent other outbreaks.
    4. Collaboration among multiple agencies. China Customs works closely with other border agencies to share information and coordinate the procedures for screening, quarantine and referral of passengers. A comprehensive prevention and control network was put in place to contain the spread of the disease.
    5. Application of big data for transmission prevention. Since it is difficult to identify the passengers travelling on flights that have departed from most affected countries (regions) and transited in a third country (region) before arriving in China, China Customs has been using big data to conduct correlation analysis on global flight routes and schedules, thus taking more precise border quarantine measures.
    6. International Cooperation. China Customs has been strengthening cooperation on border health and quarantine with its counterparts in other countries and regions. Contact points were designated for communication and coordination of anti-epidemic efforts. Exchanges have been made on border health and quarantine policies, laws and regulations, and on experience and practices of prevention and control of COVID-19.


  3. Trade facilitation measures
    1. Facilitated clearance for anti-epidemic supplies. A Sub-group has been set up under the ad hoc Working Group to ensure fast clearance of anti-epidemic supplies. For imported supplies, all local Customs are required to open exclusive counters and green lanes 24/7 to ensure fast clearance; imported pharmaceuticals, disinfection supplies, protective suits, treatment equipment and other supplies will be released without delay. For exported supplies, green lanes are provided 24/7 to minimize the clearance time.
    2. Supporting foreign trade and economic development. To promote social and economic development amid current anti-epidemic efforts, the GACC has rolled out policies and measures on faster clearance, minimum-interference customs control, certification services, acceleration of market access process for imported agricultural products, among others, to help businesses resume operations and boost foreign trade growth.
    3. Information availability. China Customs has made information available on news media, GACC official website, Customs official Weibo and WeChat accounts and journals.

    Link to GACC official website:

    http://english.customs.gov.cn.

    Link to GACC news:

    http://english.customs.gov.cn/newsroom/news.

    Link to GACC Announcements:

    http://english.customs.gov.cn/Legislation/Announcement.

 

INDIA

CBIC sensed the gravity of the pandemic and its likely impact on the global supply chain at the very initial stage, and took a number of proactive measures to ensure smooth operation of all customs locations in India viz. seaports, airports, land customs stations, foreign post offices and courier terminals, while following social distancing and other health related guidelines of the Government, issued from time to time.

To prevent spread of COVID-19, India is following strict lockdown. In these difficult times, CBIC is committed to ensure hassle free movement, release and clearance of goods under import, export or transit, and provide maximum possible comfort to trading community and other stakeholders, and the society at large.

In this regard, an illustrative list of measures and actions taken by India is as below:

  1. Facilitating the Cross-border Movement of Relief and Essential Supplies:
    1. 24x7 custom clearance facility has been implemented at all custom formations to avoid any supply chain disruption. (Instruction No.02/2020-Customs dated 20.02.2020)
    2. Prioritized clearance of critical goods used for fighting COVId-19, such as medical equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, testing kits, PPEs, is ensured.
    3. Exemption from basic customs duty and health cess has been granted to such goods- ventilators, masks, personal protection equipment, testing kits and inputs used in manufacturing these items. (Notification no. 20/2020-Cus dated 09.04.2020).
    4. As a relief measure for other countries battling with the pandemic, specific export shipments of critical drugs, pharmaceuticals, testing kits, personal protection equipment etc. are actively facilitated by customs at the borders. Some of these shipments are donation from the Government of India.
    5. Import clearance of Edible oils and Food Grains has been permitted on the basis of visual examination without waiting for the analysis report. On receipt of analysis report, final No Objection Certificate shall be issued. (FSSAI’s direction dated 03.04.2020 issued under F. No. 1-1771/FSSAI/Imports/2018).

  2. Supporting the Economy and Sustaining Supply Chain Continuity:
    1. 24x7 custom clearance facility has been implemented at all custom formations to avoid any supply chain disruption. (Instruction No.02/2020-Customs dated 20.02.2020)
    2. All customs formations have been asked to show greater sensitivity in dealing with cargo from affected areas, condone the delay in filing import declarations and waive the late filing fees in genuine cases. (Chairman’s letter No.03/CH(IC)/2020 dated 24.02.2020).
    3. A dedicated single window COVID-19 helpdesk for EXIM trade has been created on CBIC website to facilitate quick resolution of issue(s) faced by importer/exporter.
    4. A nodal officer has been designated in each customs zone of India who can be approached for any issue pertaining to clearance of cargo. List is available on CBIC website.
    5. To minimize human interface and maximize social distancing, the OOC (Out of Charge) work, so far performed by an officer, has been assigned to the EDI system. The machine-based automated release of import consignments has been launched throughout India on 05.03.2020. (Circular No. 15/2020-Customs Dated 28.02.2020).
    6. Shipping Lines have been asked not to levy detention charges on containers held up for reasons attributable to lockdown measures. (DG Shipping Order no. 07/2020 dated 29.03.2020).
    7. All major ports have been directed not to levy penalties, demurrage, charges, fee, rental on any port user (traders, Shipping Lines, concessionaries, licensees etc.) for any delay in berthing, loading/unloading operations or evacuation/arrival of cargo caused by reasons attributable to lockdown measures (Ministry of Shipping letter No. PD-14300/4/2020-PD VII dated 31.03.2020).
    8. Likewise, all customs airports have been asked for waiving of demurrage charges at 50% by airport operator/cargo terminal operator for the lockdown period. (Order date 01.04.2020 of Ministry of Civil Aviation issued under F. No. AV-29012/41/2020-ER)
    9. Zonal Customs Chief Commissioners have asked local custodians (Inland Container Depots and Container Freight Stations) to exempt demurrage charges during the lockdown period.
    10. The time limit for filing of appeal, furnishing of return, or any other compliance under the Customs Act or Customs Tariff Act, which was expiring from 20th March 2020 to 29th June 2020, has been extended up to 30th June 2020. (Ordinance dated 31.03.2020).
    11. In order to address the difficulties faced due to non-availability of stamp papers during the lock-down period, the requirement of different types of customs bond has been dispensed with. Traders can submit undertaking on plain paper in lieu of bond. (Circular no. 17/2020-Customs dated 03.04.2020).
    12. A special refund and drawback disposal drive has been launched to provide immediate relief to business entities, specially MSMEs, adversely hit by COVID. (Instruction No.03/2020 Customs dated 09.04.2020).
    13. Goods imported under free trade agreements can be cleared without producing original certificate of origin. (Circular no. 18/2020-Customs dated 11.04.2020).
    14. To make import clearance process more contact less, CBIC has launched e-delivery of PDF based Gatepass and Out of Charge copy of BoE to custom brokers/importers across India from 15.04.2020. (Circular No. 19/2020-Customs dated 13.04.2020).
    15. CBIC actively coordinated with other Ministries for ensuring that customs operations are declared as an essential service during the lock down period, which has allowed smooth operations at all the customs stations.
    16. In line with the aforesaid, further directives were issued permitting movement of customs brokers and transporters, and allowing functioning of warehouses during the lock down period.
    17. CBIC has coordinated with the port and airport authorities and other custodians to see that ample space is available for storing exim cargo in the customs area.
    18. Importers are being advised to file advance import declaration for expeditious customs clearance, timely payment of duty and take delivery of cleared goods without delay, so as to prevent clogging of customs area.
    19. CBIC and Zonal Chief Commissioners are promptly monitoring the situation through video conference with customs stations and trade to resolve any emerging issue.
    20. Regular coordination is maintained with district administration and police authorities for ensuring smooth movement of EXIM cargo, and persons engaged in the process during the lockdown.

  3. Protecting Staff:
    1. All officers and staff are strictly following social distancing and other health related guidelines of the Government issued from time to time.
    2. Office premises are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
    3. Special care has been taken in clearance of passengers coming from affected countries. Separate channels were created at the airports, port terminals and land customs stations for such passengers. Customs officers followed instructions to use masks, gloves and sanitizers.
    4. The time limit to conclude proceedings, issue order, file appeal, grant sanction or any other compliance under the Customs Act and Customs Tariff Act by a customs officer, which was expiring from 20th March 2020 to 29th June 2020, has been extended up to 30th June 2020. (Ordinance dated 31.03.2020).
    5. To minimize human interface and maximize social distancing, the OOC (Out of Charge) work, so far performed by an officer, has been assigned to the EDI system. The machine-based automated release of import consignments has been launched throughout India on 05.03.2020. (Circular No. 15/2020-Customs Dated 28.02.2020).
    6. To make import clearance process more contact less, CBIC has launched e-delivery of PDF based Gatepass and Out of Charge copy of BoE to custom brokers/importers across India from 15.04.2020. (Circular No. 19/2020-Customs dated 13.04.2020).
    7. Customs offices have been assigned contingency fund to take care of health and safety of frontline officers. It will be used to provide a safe work environment in terms of PPEs, maintenance of hygiene etc. as well as to render financial assistance to officers at the lower rung should they so require. Community outreach in and around the workplace is also included in this scheme.
    8. Government has sanctioned special package of Rs 5 lakh for immediate assistance to families of customs officers who may in an unlikely situation succumb in their valiant fight against COVID-19.

  4. Protecting Society:
    1. Special care has been taken in clearance of passengers coming from affected countries. Separate channels were created at the airports, port terminals and land customs stations for such passengers. Customs officers strictly followed instructions to use masks, gloves and sanitizers.
    2. To minimize human interface and maximize social distancing, the OOC (Out of Charge) work, so far performed by an officer, has been assigned to the EDI system. The machine-based automated release of import consignments has been launched throughout India on 05.03.2020. (Circular No. 15/2020-Customs Dated 28.02.2020).
    3. Prioritized clearance of critical goods used for fighting COVId-19, such as medical equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, testing kits, PPEs, is ensured.
    4. Exemption from basic customs duty and health cess has been granted to such goods- ventilators, masks, personal protection equipment, testing kits and inputs used in manufacturing these items. (Notification no. 20/2020-Cus dated 09.04.2020).
    5. A special refund and drawback disposal drive has been launched to provide immediate relief to business entities, specially MSMEs, adversely hit by COVID. (Instruction No.03/2020 Customs dated 09.04.2020).
    6. To make import clearance process more contact less, CBIC has launched e-delivery of PDF based Gatepass and Out of Charge copy of BoE to custom brokers/importers across India from 15.04.2020. (Circular No. 19/2020-Customs dated 13.04.2020).
    7. Requests and documents from importer/exporter are being accepted via email to avoid physical visit and contact between the trade and customs officers. Email address of each customs zones has been notified.
    8. As a relief measure for other countries battling with the pandemic, specific export shipments of critical drugs, pharmaceuticals, testing kits, personal protection equipment etc. are actively facilitated by customs at the borders. Some of these shipments are donation from the Government of India.
    9. Customs offices across India have generously contributed in distribution of food and relief material, such as masks, to poor and needy in the lockdown period.


INDONESIA

Actions taken by Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Republic of Indonesia (DGCE) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak are as follows:

  1. Special policy related to import and export

    1. Director General Decision No. KEP-113/BC/2020 regarding Service Acceleration of Import Goods for COVID-19 Countermeasures.

      To accelerate the clearance process of import goods to be used for COVID-19 countermeasures, the government provide fiscal and/or non-fiscal facilities which include exemption on import duties and excise, non-imposition of PPN (VAT) and/or PPnBM (Sales Tax on Luxury Goods), exemption of PPh Article 22 (import income tax), and exception on import prohibition/restriction requirements. These facilities are given to:

      • Central/Regional government, and Public Service Agency
      • Foundation/Non-profit Agency
      • Private Company/person, as long as the imported goods are not for commercial purposes

      Application of above facilities shall be accompanied by Recommendation from National Board of Disaster Relief (BNPB). Request for Recommendation from BNPB can be submitted online through Lembaga National Single Window (LNSW). https://insw.go.id

    2. Exemption of Excise for Ethyl Alcohol used for social purposes and raw / supporting materials to produce non-excisable final product.

      In the context of prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak, exemption of excise duty for ethyl alcohol shall be given to manufacturers or storage companies based on orders from government agencies or non-governmental organizations related to Covid-19 countermeasures.

    3. Monitoring of temporary restriction on exports of antiseptics, raw materials for masks, personal protective equipment and masks. According to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 23 of 2020, exporters are prohibited from exporting antiseptics, mask raw materials, personal protective equipment and masks until June 30, 2020. This regulation was issued because the government needs to maintain the availability of these goods for health services and the self-protection of Indonesian people during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  2. Cooperation with other government agencies
    1. The government relaxed various import and export restrictions (Lartas), especially for reputable traders (companies with high level compliance). Reduction of import restrictions is aimed to accelerate imports of raw and semi-finished materials for local manufactures. On the other hand, the government hopes to increase exports and competitiveness by reducing export restrictions. In order to support this policy, DGCE has submitted import realization report to related ministries and agencies, as well as shared data on reputable traders to Ministry of Trade.

    2. Strengthen cooperation and synergy with other government agencies including National Single Window Agency, Ministry of Health, National Agency of Drug and Food Control (Badan POM), and National Board of Disaster Relief (BNPB) through optimization of National Single Window Agency (LNSW) platform. Starting March 30, application of BNPB recommendation to obtain trade facilities in the context of COVID-19 countermeasures can be done through LNSW.

    3. Development of National Logistics Ecosystem (NLE). NLE is a platform that facilitates collaboration of information systems between government and private sector to simplify and synchronize the flow of information and documents in export / import activities at ports, as well as domestics trade through data sharing, simplification business process, elimination of repetition and duplication.

  3. Working Policies for Officers
    1. To prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide protection to the health and safety of officials / officers of DGCE, officials / officers required to:
      - avoid physical contact (for example shaking hands);
      - avoid public places / crowds / public spaces if there are no urgent interests; and
      - postpone / cancel meetings or events that mobilize or gather a large number of officers at one location simultaneously, such as workshops, seminar, conference, etc.

    2. For most officers, especially those working for back office or administration, a work from home policy has been adopted. Meanwhile, for service offices such as international ports and airports, we have implemented a work shift system and reduced the number of front-line officer. We also provide adequate personal protection equipment such as masks and gloves for front-line officer.

    3. Officers shall submit their work progress periodically to their superiors. If a meeting is needed, it will be done virtually using Zoom, Skype or other virtual meeting application.

JAPAN

  1. Customs clearance procedures on relief goods, etc.

    Customs clearance has been prioritized for relief goods relating to countermeasures to the COVID-19; and for goods such as water and fuel that require an urgent clearance to maintain the lifeline.

    Customs duty and consumption tax are also exempted from the import of abovementioned goods with the submission of simplified declaration form that enables declarants not to submit the certificate for duty exemption for donated goods, etc. (The form can be found at https://www.customs.go.jp/news/news/form_kyuen.pdf )

    Relief goods relating to countermeasures to the COVID-19 can be exported with a simplified declaration format.

 

  1. Flexibility in customs procedures

    Since it is expected that importers/exporters and Customs brokers telework as a countermeasure to the COVID-19, flexible measures for import/export procedures, etc., have been adopted as follows:

    (1) Customs declaration at convenient Customs offices

    If it is difficult to lodge Customs declaration to designated Customs office due to the COVID-19, importers/exporters and Customs brokers can lodge import/export declarations to Customs offices which are more convenient to them, based on a prior consultation with Customs.

    (2) Relaxation of the requirement of seal

    With regard to certain documents on which seals by importers/exporters and Customs brokers are required for import/export declarations or for the submission of such documents to Customs after import/export permission, if it is difficult to seal such documents due to the COVID-19, the requirement of seal is exempted. 

    (3) Relaxation of the requirement of original copies

    With regard to certain documents whose original copies are required to be submitted to Customs at the time of import/export declaration, if it is difficult to submit them due to the COVID-19, the original copies can be submitted by electric means. (N.B. The original copies need to be submitted to Customs by the date designated by Customs.  Customs designates the date by taking into account situations of importers/exporters, etc.)

    With regard to certain documents whose original copies are required to be submitted to Customs within three days from the day of import/export permission, if it is difficult to submit them due to the COVID-19, the original copies can be submitted to Customs by the date designated by Customs.  Customs designates the date by taking into account situations of importers/exporters, etc.

    (4) Teleworking of Customs brokers

    Offer (consultation) form Customs brokers to start teleworking has been flexibly accepted. Japan Customs permit teleworking to customs brokers flexibly.

    (5) Others

    - Flexibility in the term for the submission of certificate of origin, etc.

    - Flexibility in the lodgment of security to extend the term for duty payment.

    Web-link to relevant information

    • Japan Customs (Japanese only)

    https://www.customs.go.jp/news/news/20200304_index.htm

    • The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

    https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/newpage_00032.html

 


MACAO

  1. Facilitation of customs clearance of epidemic prevention materials and anti-epidemic materials, especially masks, protective clothing, disinfectants.
  2. Provide rapid customs clearance lane to the donated anti-epidemic materials.
  3. Safe and convenient customs clearance for fresh food and daily necessities.
  4. In order to ensure the safety of food sources and prevent the spread of epidemic situation, Macao Customs strengthen the crackdown on illegal activities and curb the spread of epidemic situation through ports.
  5. The liaison mechanism strengthens communication between Macao and China Customs. It provides assistance to rapid clearance of goods, enhance supervision and mutual support of both Customs.
  6. Develop guidelines for front line units, including strengthen the cleaning of the office facilities, implement the temperature management of personnel entering the facilities and properly allocate various types of protective equipment. Besides, front line staff must wear masks and gloves when checking passengers and luggage.
  7. Shorten the operation time of border checkpoints in order to reduce the flow of people into and out of Macao. However, there is no modification for the customs clearance time of goods to ensure smooth procedure of the daily goods.

 

NEPAL

  1. Nepal is landlocked country bordering with India and China. Our all border customs points and Airport customs are clearing all types of goods despite of countywide Lock down until 7 April 2020, which is quite different from the sea-linked countries and it is more challenging too operate customs offices in many border points.
  2. In the leadership of Deputy Director general, We have constructed a Quick Response Team at the headquarter, which coordinate all the customs points, facilitate the supply network, coordinate with private sectors, concerned Government agencies and settle down the any problem regarding customs clearances.
  3. In the recommendation of the Quick response team, the high Level Committee (Deputy prime Minister is the chair of the committee) make the policy decision to make any policy decision, exempted duty and waive any documents in customs clearance if needed.
  4. Department of Customs had directed all the customs offices to clear the essentials goods within 2 hours and expedite the customs clearance of the medical equipment, medicine and sanitizes and other items.
  5. To maintain the WHO standards while clearing, Nepal customs is minimizing the physical contract in the customs yards, increasing the green lane customs clearance and concentrating the central monitoring through WAN to control the over.
  6. The regular meeting, sharing and communication with counter parts are regular to facilitate the cross border clearance.
  7. Customs clearance is being performed in respect of the all the copy documents during this time, not mandatory of original documents.
  8. The Government has decided duty exemption in the different essential items to fight against Covid-19 like mask, sanitizer, gloves, PPE, portable ventilator, PCR Machine and thermometer.


PAKISTAN

  1. Staff rotation has been introduced in the wake of restricted movement by the Government. However, staff has been allowed to work from home electronically to facilitate trade.
  2. 24/7 clearance of Cargo at Ports/Airports and land borders stations.
  3. Dedicated email has been notified for single contact facility to accommodate all trade related queries/grievances for redressal by the Customs Authorities.
  4. The Federal and Provincial Government have also notified dedicated helpline for the general public as well as the businessmen.
  5. The government has extended date of filling for goods declarations (GDs).
  6. The Customs authorities have been provided extra budget to facilitate the staff for protection against the COVID-19 outbreak by provision of Masks, Sanitizers and other essentials as instructed by the local health authorities.
  7. Screening and sanitizing facilities have been made available at all the work places.
  8. The government has waived off all duties and taxes on the import of essential medicines and equipments necessary for containing and combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
  9. The customs authorities have been sensitized to the possible import/ supply of counterfeit medical supplies and fake medicines in the wake of COVID-19 spread.
  10. Actions taken in this regard will be shared using the common platform i.e. CEN.comm.

 
SINGAPORE

Strategic level

  • Taking guidance from Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce on COVID-19, which coordinates and implements Singapore’s measures to tackle COVID-19
  • Ensuring that we keep our global supply chain strong and undisrupted as we continue to facilitate the movement of goods, including essential supplies    

Operational level   

  • Use of technology to minimise face-to-face meetings (e.g. conducting meetings and discussions through video conferences)  
  • Encouraging officers to practise social distancing (e.g. greater spacing of seats where practicable, limiting the size and duration of meetings)
  • Adopting split team arrangements to minimise cross-contact among staff, which is part of our business continuity planning
  • Encouraging good personal hygiene practices (e.g. notices put up to remind staff to practise good personal hygiene)
  • Monitoring of officers’ body temperature twice a day
  • Deferring all non-essential travel abroad to minimise risk levels
  • Encouraging the use of e-services  


THAILAND

  1. Duty exemption for medical supplies, including surgical masks and dust masks
  2. Extension of time limits for the following Customs procedures:  
    2.1 Re-exportation of temporarily imported goods
    2.2 Storage period in Bonded warehouses, Free Zones and Free Trade Zones         
  3. The Work from Home (WFH) Policy

 

HONG KONG, CHINA

Hong Kong, China is a free port and no tariff is levied on importation or exportation of most goods, including relief consignments and equipment for humanitarian purposes. Hong Kong Customs has all along been making use of risk-profiling and intelligence analysis to carry out speedy and smooth customs clearance for passengers, cargo, conveyance and postal articles pursuant to relevant legislation. Cargo and postal consignments are generally granted immediate release upon receipt of all necessary information.

Moreover, Hong Kong Customs has been following the advice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (the Government of the HKSAR) on social distancing and special work-from-home arrangement to reduce potential infection risk during the course of work. As for the way forward, Hong Kong Customs will continue to support the Government of the HKSAR in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19