Business chamber says China origin measure violates trade rules

The 'made in China' origin labeling requirement imposed on Hong Kong's exporters by the United States, is unreasonable and politcial, the head of a leading business chamber says.

George Leung Siu-kay, the Hong Kong General Champer of Commerce, chief executive, said the requirement also causes confusion for manufacturers.

He said Washington's measures violate international trade regulations, and the government needs to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency will require that all exports from Hong Kong indicate their origin as China, to comply with the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, under which it was determined that Hong Kong is no longer sufficiently autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to China.

This comes into effect on September 25.

Leung says the measure will also increase costs for manufacturers.