China cancels 'black code' requirement at border ports starting Wednesday

Mainland customs authorities will cancel the health declaration requirement for cross-border travelers - commonly known as the black code - from Wednesday.

The border between Hong Kong and the mainland reopened fully on February 6 with the removal of mandatory Covid tests and quarantine, but travelers still had to fill out an online health declaration form when entering and leaving the mainland, which has been criticized by some as useless and a waste of time.

The form was simplified by mainland authorities last month, with the required items reduced from 11 to 9 for travelers moving between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macau.

Starting Wednesday, travelers no longer have to fill out the declaration. However, mainland customs authorities said travelers who were diagnosed or displayed symptoms of infectious diseases are reminded to declare to customs officers at the border, and to cooperate with the officers' instruction when carrying out the health inspection.