About this agreement
The ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area (AHKFTA) reduces technical barriers to trade between ASEAN and Hong Kong, thus increasing market access in the architectural, engineering, education and environmental services industries.
AHKFTA – Entry into force
- 11 June 2019 – Hong Kong, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
- 13 October 2019 – Malaysia
- 12 May 2020 – Philippines
- 4 July 2020 – Indonesia
- 20 October 2020 – Brunei
- 12 February 2021 – Cambodia
AHKIA – Entry into force
- 17 June 2019 – Hong Kong, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam
- 13 October 2019 – Malaysia
- 12 May 2020 – Philippines
- 4 July 2020 – Indonesia
- 20 October 2020 – Brunei
- 12 February 2021 – Cambodia
Key benefits
-
Main benefits- Simplifies the requirements of the Certificate of Origin for the application of preferential tariffs into Hong Kong.
- Increases market access in architectural, engineering, education and environment services.
- Accords ASEAN investments in Hong Kong the same level of protection accorded to local companies in Hong Kong, creating a more transparent, facilitative and secure environment for investors.
- Allows ASEAN investors to freely transfer funds from Hong Kong to their respective home countries.
- Provides compensation in the event of nationalisation or expropriation of covered investment.
Eligibility
Use the Tariff Finder to see if your product is eligible to enjoy this FTA's tariff concessions.
Alternatively, you can explore the following steps to check your eligibility.
-
Your product’s preferential rateCheck the preferential rates for your product based on your region:
-
Your product’s rule of origin
Rules of origin are a set of criteria which determine a product's originating status in each respective FTA.
It is put in place to ensure that only goods originating from the FTA partner countries will benefit from tariff concessions.
Is your product obtained/produced entirely within Singapore? 
Your product is considered wholly obtained in Singapore 
Does your product fall under the list of Product Specific Rules?
Your product may be considered as originating from the ASEAN-Hong Kong region
40% of its contents must originate from the ASEAN-Hong Kong region Is your product obtained/produced entirely within Singapore?
Your product is considered wholly obtained in Singapore Does your product fall under the list of Product Specific Rules?
Your product may be considered as originating from the ASEAN-Hong Kong region 40% of its contents must originate from the ASEAN-Hong Kong region
Apply
Singapore Customs is the authorised body in Singapore for FTA Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) application.
If your product is eligible, follow these application steps to enjoy tariff concessions:- Register your factory with Singapore Customs using the Manufacturer's Application Form
- Submit the Manufacturing Cost Statement
- Apply for a Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO)
The process from registration to receiving the PCO typically takes less than one month.
Learn more about the rules of PCO 
Submit your application
Apply for a PCO with export permit under the ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area (AHKFTA) via TradeNet.
Resources
Need additional help?
For assistance, contact us at +65 6898 1800, reach us here or visit the SME Centres.
ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area (AHKFTA)
Explore other trade resources
