Q1. How can I verify the validity of an electronic licence/permit issued via the Trade Single Window (TSW) system?
Registered TSW users can verify the validity of the electronic licence/permit via the following methods:
Scan the QR code printed on the electronic licence/permit and then input your login information at the TSW login page. After login, the verification result will be shown, or
After login to the TSW system, select “Check Licence Validity” and input the Validation Code of the electronic licence/permit. The verification result will be shown.
Please click here for the list of trade documents applicable to this function.
Q2. Can I save and reuse the input consignment and transportation information for subsequent application?
Trade Single Window (TSW) equips with the functions of “Save Draft” and “Retrieve Draft” to facilitate the TSW user in applying for licence/ permit. You can save the input information in the account by using “Save Draft” function before submitting licence/ permit application. Later, you can retrieve the saved information by using ““Retrieve Draft”” function for subsequent licence/ permit application. You can save one version of information for each type of licence/ permit for the purpose of reuse. If necessary, you can modify the saved information when applying for a new licence/ permit.
Q3. Can I reuse information from the previously submitted application for a subsequent application?
Trade Single Window (TSW) equips with the function of “Copy Application” to facilitate the TSW user to reuse information of a submitted application and copy into a new application.
Q4. What is a User Pool?
A User Pool is an optional function that allows the Pool Administrator to perform the following functions for his/her Pool Member(s) based on its business needs:
- View application and trade documents details
- Make changes on an application
- Make payment for an application
- Withdraw an application
- Upload supporting document to complete an application process
- Request to amend and cancel an issued trade document
In addition, a Pool Administrator can also delegate other user(s) in the User Pool to perform the above functions.
Q5. Who can use a User Pool and which trade documents are applicable to the User Pool function?
A User Pool is only for Trade Single Window user(s) registered by a valid Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate.
The function of user pool is applicable to all types of trade documents under Phase 1 and the following types of trade documents under Phase 2:
| Item | Types of Document | Government Agency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Licence to Export/Re-export for Endangered Species | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 2 | Licence to Import for Endangered Species | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 3 | Plant Import Licence | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 4 | Re-export Certificate for Species of non-CITES or not yet Controlled under Cap. 586 | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 5 | Import and Export Statements for Dutiable Commodities | Customs and Excise Department |
| 6 | Import Licence for Radioactive Substances and Irradiating Apparatus | Department of Health |
| 7 | Import/Export Licence of Proprietary Chinese Medicines | Department of Health |
| 8 | Import/Export Licence of Chinese Herbal Medicines | Department of Health |
| 9 | Import/Transhipment Permit for Biological Materials | Department of Health |
| 10 | Import/Export Licence for Rice | Trade and Industry Department |
| 11 | Strategic Commodities Import/Export Licence | Trade and Industry Department |
Q6. Can a user join multiple User Pools?
No, each administrator and user can only join one User Pool at all times. He/she needs to leave the existing User Pool before joining another one.
Q7. How can a user join a User Pool?
An administrator can create a User Pool or join an existing Pool (become the Pool Administrator in both cases) without having to be invited, while users can only join a User Pool (as Pool Members) through invitation by the Pool Administrator. He/she can accept or reject the invitation. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to all Administrators of the corresponding User Pool.
Q8. How long will the data of my applications in TSW Phase1 & 2 be retained?
Under normal circumstances, data and supporting documents of completed applications and their associated licenses or permits of TSW Phase 1 & 2 documents will be retained online for 7 years.
Q9. Can I retrieve applications of Trade Single Window Phase 1 & 2 documents that are no longer available online?
Please enquire the retrieval procedure with the Participating Government Agency of the license or permit concerned.
Q10. Why does the system not respond when I press the button to use certain trade documents in the Trade Single Window (TSW)?
To access certain trade documents in Trade Single Window, the website will show a pop-up window and redirect you to the corresponding page. You are recommended to allow the pop-up windows from this website for a better user experience.
For details, please visit the Guideline.
Q11. What trade document will Trade Single Window cover in the future?
Trade Single Window will roll out by batches from mid-2027 to cover Advanced Cargo Information (Air), Cargo Manifest (Air and Road), Import amd Export Declaration, Cargo Manifest (Sea, Rail and Ferry) Sea Cargo Report, Certificate of Origin amd Dutiable Commodities Permit.