Cap. 98 sub. leg. A

Post Office Regulations(Cap. 98, section 3) [1 September 1938](Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2014) 1. These regulations may be cited as the Post Office Regulations. 2. In any government notification specifying the postage rates for the time being in force, and in these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires— philatelic products (集郵物品) include— (a) mint stamps; (b) souvenir sheets; (c) definitive stamp sheets; (d) first day covers with stamps affixed and stamped postmarks; and (e) souvenir covers with stamps affixed and stamped postmarks; (L.N. 27 of 1997) printed paper (印刷品) means a document, which is reproduced on paper, cardboard or other materials commonly used in printing, and which is produced in several identical copies by means of a mechanical or photographic process, involving the use of a block, stencil or negative. (L.N. 122 of 1991) (L.N. 68 of 1971; L.N. 122 of 1991) 3. (Repealed L.N. 122 of 1991) 4. The maximum weight for the following postal articles shall be— MaximumWeight (a) Letters for any destination 2 kg (b) Printed papers (i) Inland 1 kg (ii) Destination elsewhere 2 kg (c) Small packets for any destination 2 kg (d) Literature for the blind posted as such to any destination 7 kg (e) (Repealed L.N. 270 of 1975) (f) Books for destinations outside Hong Kong 5 kg (L.N. 68 of 1971; L.N. 176 of 1980; L.N. 122 of 1991; 23 of 1998 s. 2) 5. (1) A class of postal packets called “small packets” is authorized with the object of affording facilities, in the international service, for the transmission of small articles of merchandise in the letter mails. The exchange of small packets is limited to those countries which have agreed to participate in the service. (2) The prohibitions applicable to letter post shall apply also to the service of small packets. In addition, the following shall be specially excluded from transmission in small packets—(a) (Repealed L.N. 122 of 1991) (b) coins; (c) banknotes; (d) currency notes; (e) negotiable instruments payable to bearer; (f) platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not; (g) precious stones; (h) jewels and other valuable articles; (i) postage stamps, whether obliterated or not. (3) Small packets shall be sent in such a manner as to be easily examined. In addition, the name and address of the sender shall be shown on the outside of the packet and each packet shall be conspicuously marked SMALL PACKET in the top left-hand corner. (L.N. 68 of 1971)(4) Small packets may be sent by registered post or recorded delivery but not insured. (L.N. 27 of 1997) 6. (1) The following letters shall not be subject to any postage—(a)-(b) (Repealed L.N. 27 of 1997) (c) (Repealed L.N. 122 of 1991) (d) (i) one letter posted in Hong Kong from each candidate at any elections under the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) addressed to each elector in the DC constituency for which the candidate is nominated, which complies with the requirements in regulations in force under the Electoral Affairs Commission Ordinance (Cap. 541); and (8 of 1999 s. 89; 23 of 2002 s. 126; 19 of 2023 s. 191)(ia) one letter posted in Hong Kong from each candidate at any Election Committee subsector election addressed to each voter registered in the subsector final register in respect of the subsector for which the candidate is nominated, which complies with the requirements in regulations in force under the Electoral Affairs Commission Ordinance (Cap. 541); and (48 of 1999 s. 47)(ii) one letter posted in Hong Kong from each candidate (or, in the case of a geographical constituency, from each list of candidates) at any election under the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542) addressed to each elector registered in the final register in respect of the constituency for which the candidate (or the list of candidates) is nominated, which comply with the requirements in regulations in force under the Electoral Affairs Commission Ordinance (Cap. 541); and (L.N. 270 of 1991; 8 of 1999 s. 89; 48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49; 25 of 2003 s. 50)(iii) two letters posted in Hong Kong from each candidate at an election within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569) addressed to each member of the Election Committee which comply with the requirements in regulations in force under the Electoral Affairs Commission Ordinance (Cap. 541). (21 of 2001 s. 49)(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(d)—(a) a person shall not be deemed to be a candidate unless he is shown as a person validly nominated in the notice of nominations published in the Gazette in accordance with the regulations made under section 7 of the Electoral Affairs Commission Ordinance (Cap. 541); but until the publication of that notice any person who declares himself to be a candidate shall be entitled to exercise the right to free postage conferred by this regulation if he furnishes the Postmaster General with such security as may be required for the payment of postage should he not subsequently be shown in such notice as a person validly nominated; (40 of 1993 s. 27; 8 of 1999 s. 89) (b) the expression—constituency (選區、功能界別) means a geographical constituency declared under the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542) or a functional constituency established under that Ordinance, as the case may require;(19 of 2023 s. 191)DC constituency (區議會界別或選區) means a constituency as defined by section 2 of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547);(19 of 2023 s. 191)Election Committee (選舉委員會) means the Election Committee within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569); (48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49)Election Committee subsector election (選舉委員會界別分組選舉) means a subsector election within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569); (48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49)elector (選民) means an elector within the meaning of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542) or an elector within the meaning of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547), as the case may require;final register (正式選民登記冊) means a final register of electors for an election under the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542); (8 of 1999 s. 89; 19 of 2023 s. 191)subsector (界別分組) means a subsector within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569); (48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49)subsector final register (界別分組正式投票人登記冊) means a subsector final register within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569); (48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49)voter (投票人) means a voter within the meaning of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (Cap. 569). (48 of 1999 s. 47; 21 of 2001 s. 49) 7. The following postal packets shall be charged the same rates of postage as if they were letters—(a) all postal packets which are closed to inspection except parcels; and (b) all postal packets (except small packets) which contain a letter. (L.N. 122 of 1991) 8. No postal packet shall contain any inclosure which is directed to a name and address different from the name and address borne on the cover and which is inclosed with the intention of evading postage. Any such inclosure may be taken out and may be forwarded to the addressee charged with separate postage. 9. (1) Where the postage payable on any postal packet is required to be prepaid and has not been prepaid or has not been fully prepaid, the following surcharge shall be payable— (1 of 1987 s. 9) (a) in the case of a postal packet sent from a place outside Hong Kong, a fee of $4.00 in addition to the postage or the deficiency as the case may be; and (L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; 23 of 1998 s. 2) (b) in the case of an inland postal packet, double the postage or double the deficiency as the case may be, save that in the case of a postal packet other than a letter, the Postmaster General may detain the packet and return it to the sender. (2) An air mail packet on which no part, or a part only, of the postage payable thereon has been prepaid may be dealt with as if it were not an air mail packet. (L.N. 270 of 1975) 10. Notwithstanding any alternative method of treatment and disposal of prohibited articles authorized by the Ordinance, it shall be lawful for the Postmaster General, or any officer of the Post Office authorized by him in that behalf, forthwith to destroy any postal packet and the contents thereof which may have been opened under the authority of section 10 or 12 of the Ordinance and the contents of which may be any obscene, immoral, indecent, offensive or libellous writing, picture or other thing.(20 of 2006 s. 68) 11. (Repealed L.N. 214 of 2015) 12. (1) Any parcel remaining unclaimed at the expiry of 7 days (excluding public holidays) from the posting of a notification of arrival shall be liable to a demurrage charge of $2.7 for each day that it remains unclaimed after the expiration of that period, with a minimum charge of $22. (L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 214 of 2015) (2) If a parcel sent through the post from a place outside Hong Kong is not collected within 2 months from the posting of a notification of arrival it may be returned to the sender or otherwise disposed of as the Postmaster General thinks fit. (L.N. 122 of 1991; 23 of 1998 s. 2) (2A) A parcel sent through the local post that remains uncollected within 14 days from the posting of a notification of arrival may be returned to the sender or otherwise disposed of as the Postmaster General thinks fit. (L.N. 122 of 1991) (3) All fees payable under this regulation shall be payable in cash in such manner as the Postmaster General may direct. (L.N. 270 of 1975) 13. (1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, the Postmaster General may let private boxes or provide private bag services to any person applying therefor on payment in advance of the following annual fees in respect of each such box or bag service— Large Box$ Small Box$ Private Bag $ (a) at the General Post Office, or the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office 890 680 370 (b) at the Kowloon Central Post Office for small box and private bag only — 435 370 (c) at any other Post Office 435 370 370, (L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 147 of 2013; L.N. 214 of 2015) but where the initial letting is for a period of more than 12 months the fee payable shall be the annual fee and for the period in excess of 12 months for each month or part thereof one twelfth of the annual fee. (L.N. 184 of 1981) (2) Every private box shall be let or bag service provided for an initial period of not less than 12 months with effect from the date on or from which the user rents the box or the service, and such letting or service shall thereafter be renewable at the discretion of the Postmaster General for further periods of— (L.N. 151 of 1995) (a) 12 months at a time upon payment of the annual rent prescribed in subregulation (1) 7 days before the date of expiry of the current period. (L.N. 184 of 1981) (b) (Repealed L.N. 184 of 1981) (3) With the consent of the Postmaster General any private box service may be let jointly to 2 or more persons, and in every such case the fee for such service shall be 75 % of the fee prescribed by subregulations (1) and (2) and shall be payable by each such person. (4) (a) The Postmaster General shall supply free of charge to every lessee of a private box 1 key thereto and, on application and payment of a fee of $30 for each key, such additional keys as may be required, and no key other than those supplied by the Postmaster General shall be used with any such box. (L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 214 of 2015) (b) The applicant for every private bag service shall supply to the Postmaster General for use in such service 2 bags each bag to be fitted with a lock, 1 key to which shall be delivered to the Postmaster General for retention by him during the continuance of such service. (5) Every key supplied for use with any private box shall remain the property of the Postmaster General and shall be returnable to him on termination of the rental of the box in question; and every key supplied to the Postmaster General for use with any private bag service shall remain the property of the supplier thereof and shall be returnable by the Postmaster General on request by the supplier or on termination of the service. (6) Where during the currency of any rental period any lessee of a private box requires that the lock thereof be changed, the Postmaster General—(a) upon application in writing; and (b) upon payment of the sum of $55; and (L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995) (c) upon return of every key supplied for use therewith, or payment of the sum of $30 in lieu for each such key not returned, (L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 214 of 2015) shall cause such lock to be changed for another lock and shall supply therewith, free of charge, 1 key to each lessee of such box. (G.N.A. 75 of 1958) 14. The fee for each of the following certificates of posting issued at the time of posting shall be $1.50 for each packet or parcel posted in respect of the relevant certificate of posting, and shall be payable in advance by means of postage stamps to the value of $1.50 affixed to that certificate, namely— (L.N. 214 of 2015)(a) a certificate of posting of an unregistered postal packet; (b) a duplicate certificate of posting of a registered postal packet, a parcel or a recorded delivery postal packet. (L.N. 27 of 1997) 15. (Repealed L.N. 214 of 2015) 16. (1) The registration fee shall be $15.5 for each postal packet. (L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 147 of 2013) (2) The fee for requesting advice of delivery of a registered postal packet shall be $11. (3) (Repealed L.N. 270 of 1975) (4) The registration fee and the postage on a registered packet shall be prepaid. (G.N.A. 69 of 1948; L.N. 116 of 1967; L.N. 68 of 1971; L.N. 84 of 1975; L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 418 of 1993) 16A. (1) The recorded delivery fee shall be $14 for a postal packet. (L.N. 147 of 2013; L.N. 214 of 2015)(2) The fee for requesting advice of delivery of a recorded delivery postal packet shall be $11. (3) The recorded delivery fee and the postage on a recorded delivery postal packet shall be prepaid. (L.N. 27 of 1997) 17. Unregistered postal packets found to contain banknotes, used or unused postage stamps, cheques payable to bearer or uncrossed postal orders or postal notes shall be subject to compulsory registration and shall be charged a registration fee of $31 for each such packet. (L.N. 116 of 1967; L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 147 of 2013) 18. (1) In this regulation—cash on delivery parcel (代收貨價包裹) means a parcel that is sent by a person (sender) to another (recipient) with instructions that an amount (trade charge) is to be collected by the Postmaster General, on behalf of the sender, from the recipient on delivery.(2) The trade charge for a cash on delivery parcel must not exceed $1,200. (3) For each cash on delivery parcel, a special fee of $12 is payable by the sender.(4) The recipient must pay the trade charge on collecting the parcel.(L.N. 214 of 2015) 19. (Repealed 21 of 2024 s. 14) 20. (Repealed 23 of 1998 s. 2) 21. The fee for insurance shall be $2.50 for each $500 or part thereof. The right to insure, the limits up to which insurance may be effected, and the right to compensation in case of loss or damage, shall be subject in all respects to the provision of the Postal Guide. In this regulation, Postal Guide (郵政指南) means the Postal Guide issued by the Postmaster General, current at the time of insuring or claiming as the case may be, and includes any amendments of the same whereof notice may from time to time be exhibited at the Post Office.(L.N. 68 of 1971; L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 60 of 1985) 22. The selling price of an International reply coupon shall be $19. (L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 214 of 2015) 23. (1) The Business Reply Envelope and Card system mentioned in this regulation enables a person to obtain transmission, through the post, without prepayment of postage, of envelopes and cards addressed to himself which he may distribute inclosed with advertising or other matter. (2) A person desiring the facilities for transmission through the local post or for transmission to Hong Kong through the post from a place outside Hong Kong afforded by the Business Reply Envelope and Card system must first obtain a separate licence from Postmaster General. (L.N. 122 of 1991; 23 of 1998 s. 2) (3) The fee for a licence is $150. (L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 184 of 1981; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 214 of 2015) (4) Complete printed proofs of the envelopes or cards must be forwarded to the Postmaster General for approval and must conform to the terms and conditions specified in the licence. (L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 27 of 1997) (5) The postage due on such cards and envelopes transmitted to the licensee will be calculated at prepaid rates applicable to such articles and will be collected from him on delivery, together with a surcharge of 70 cents for each article delivered. (L.N. 270 of 1975; L.N. 67 of 1978; L.N. 60 of 1985; L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 214 of 2015) (6) Business reply envelopes and cards cannot be sent by registered post or recorded delivery or be insured. (L.N. 27 of 1997; L.N. 214 of 2015) (7) Without prejudice to any other penalties prescribed in the Ordinance, the licence will be liable to cancellation in the event of default in payment of postage due on such cards and envelopes as are transmitted to the licensee through the post. (L.N. 122 of 1991) 23A. (1) The Postmaster General may provide the Freepost service mentioned in this regulation. The Freepost service enables a person to obtain transmission through the local post, without prepayment of postage, of envelopes and cards sent to him.(2) A person desiring the facilities afforded by the Freepost service must—(a) first obtain a licence from the Postmaster General which specifies a Freepost number and a Freepost format; and(b) observe the terms and conditions specified in such licence.(2A) The fee for a licence is $98. (L.N. 214 of 2015)(3) Freepost envelopes and cards must conform to the Freepost format and the terms and conditions specified in the licence referred to in subregulation (2).(4) The postage due on such envelopes and cards transmitted to a person licensed to use the Freepost service will be calculated at prepaid rates applicable to such envelopes and cards and will be collected from him on or after delivery, together with a surcharge of 80 cents for each envelope or card delivered.(5) Freepost envelopes and cards cannot be sent by registered post or recorded delivery or be insured.(6) Without prejudice to any other penalties prescribed in the Ordinance, a licence referred to in subregulation (2) will be liable to cancellation in the event of default in payment of postage or surcharge due on Freepost envelopes and cards transmitted.(L.N. 178 of 1999; L.N. 214 of 2015) 24. (Repealed L.N. 270 of 1975) 25. If the Postmaster General is of the opinion that the delivery of telegrams and postal articles cannot readily be effected at any place without danger to the officers of the Post Office or because there are not at such place proper facilities for the receipt of telegrams and postal articles, he may suspend delivery at such place for such period as he may think fit upon giving notice of such suspension either by leaving the same with any adult person at such place or by causing the same to be inserted in a daily newspaper published in Hong Kong. (1 of 1987 s. 8) 26. The sender of a parcel may be required to prove his identity and it shall be lawful for the Postmaster General or any officer of the Post Office authorized in that behalf to refuse a parcel the sender of which has after being so required failed to submit such proof. 27. The sender of a parcel or of a small packet referred to in these regulations addressed to a place outside Hong Kong must make a customs declaration stating the full address, the nature, value and the net weight of the contents. (1 of 1987 s. 8) 28. The issue of postage stamps for use under the Ordinance and the withdrawal of postage stamps from such use shall be under the control and management of the Postmaster General, and postage stamps so issued shall be of such kinds and in such denominations as the Postmaster General may determine. (31 of 1981 s. 65) 29. (1) The Postmaster General may issue a licence to any person in such form as the Postmaster General may determine authorizing such person, subject to such terms and conditions as the Postmaster General may specify in the licence, to use a franking machine for the purpose of denoting prepayment of postage or the payment of other fees payable by means of postage stamps or in respect of services provided by the Postmaster General. (2) No person shall use a franking machine for a purpose referred to in subregulation (1) without a licence issued in respect thereof under this regulation or otherwise than in accordance with the terms or conditions specified in such licence. (3) The Postmaster General may cancel a licence issued under this regulation in respect of a franking machine pursuant to the terms of the licence or if there are reasonable grounds for believing that any person has used the franking machine in contravention of subregulation (2). (31 of 1981 s. 65) 30. (1) The Postmaster General may authorize the repurchase of postage stamps (including postage stamps impressed on any material) in respect of which either of the following conditions is satisfied—(a) the postage stamps were purchased solely for postal purpose and have not been used for those or any other purposes; or (b) the postage stamps have been inadvertently and undesignedly spoiled or rendered unfit for use. (2) There shall be payable in respect of the repurchase of postage stamps under this regulation such commission as the Postmaster General may determine. 31. (Repealed L.N. 27 of 1997) 32. The Postmaster General may redirect a postal packet on payment in advance of the following fees by the addressee— Privateuser Business user (a) for a period not exceeding 3 months $136 $409 (b) for each 6 months thereafter $172 $512 (L.N. 191 of 1988; L.N. 122 of 1991; L.N. 418 of 1993; L.N. 151 of 1995; L.N. 147 of 2013; L.N. 214 of 2015) 33. (Repealed L.N. 214 of 2015) 34. (Repealed L.N. 214 of 2015) 35. (1) The Postmaster General may provide a service to customers for affixing stamps or souvenir sheets onto a first day cover or souvenir cover, as the case may be, and stamping a postmark thereon. (2) The fee for the service mentioned in subregulation (1) shall be $2.50 for each cover. (L.N. 27 of 1997) 36. (1) The Postmaster General may provide a service to customers for ordering philatelic products. (23 of 1998 s. 2) (2) The fee for handling each dispatch of philatelic products ordered by a customer outside Hong Kong is $12. (3) For the avoidance of doubt, the Postmaster General shall charge a separate fee for the service mentioned in regulation 35. (L.N. 27 of 1997; L.N. 214 of 2015) 37. (Repealed L.N. 214 of 2015) 38. Transitional provisions for Post Office (Amendment) Regulation 2015 (L.N. 214 of 2015) (E.R. 4 of 2018)(1) In this regulation, a reference to a particular pre-amended regulation is a reference to that regulation as in force immediately before 1 February 2016.(2) A licence issued under the pre-amended regulation 23 and in force immediately before 1 February 2016 is to be treated as a licence issued under regulation 23.(3) A written approval given under the pre-amended regulation 23A and in force immediately before 1 February 2016 is to be treated as a licence issued under regulation 23A.(L.N. 214 of 2015)