The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Put into effect on July 1, 1997, it enshrines within a legal document the important concept of “One Country, Two Systems".
Q: Is Hong Kong still a free port and a separate customs territory?
A:Ships of all nations regularly call into Hong Kong which is virtually a duty-free port. The HKSAR, using the name “Hong Kong, China”, is a member in its own right of the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization. Hong Kong remains a separate customs territory, and the boundary between the Mainland and the HKSAR is clearly delineated and properly managed. Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements, which are obtained or made by the HKSAR or which were obtained or made and remain valid, shall be enjoyed exclusively by Hong Kong. (BL Articles 114; 116; 126)