Frequently Asked Questions

Main Content

V. Transitional Arrangement

According to Subdivision 5 of Division 4 in Part 8 of Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation (Cap. 295G), during the transitional period, all proper packing, marking and labelling compliant to the requirements as stipulated in the old legislation are deemed lawful.

Tests and examinations under the old Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations (Cap. 295B) are still deemed to be valid if conducted on the approved cylinders under the amended legislation.

The amended Dangerous Goods Ordinance (“DGO”) specifies the respective exempt quantities for each DG.  People who have the need to store DG with quantity exceeding the exempt quantity should obtain relevant licence from the Fire Services Department (“FSD”) to ensure compliance with the requirements of the DGO.  During the transitional period, if the quantity of DG stored has exceeded the exempt quantity under the amended legislation but within the exempt quantity of the old legislation, the FSD will remind the person responsible of the requirements of the new legislation without instituting prosecution. Nevertheless, for the sake of public safety, the FSD advises people who use DG to apply for relevant licences from the FSD as soon as possible.

There is a two-year transitional period under the amended DGO.  Licensees are encouraged to apply for licences according to the requirements of the new legislation within the transitional period, though licences issued under the old legislation will still be valid within the validity period originally approved.

There is a two-year transitional period under the amended DGO.  If licences are not obtained for newly regulated DG according to the requirements of the new legislation within the transitional period, the Fire Services Department ("FSD") will remind the person responsible of the requirements of the new legislation without instituting prosecution. Nevertheless, for the sake of public safety, the FSD advises people who use the DG concerned to apply for relevant licences from the FSD as soon as possible.

There is a two-year transitional period under the amended DGO, so that the trades and members of the public would have enough time to adapt to the regulation of the new legislation.  Previously, there are more than 400 types of DG under the control of the Fire Services Deapartment ("FSD"), most of which are still regulated under the new legislation.  In general, the application procedures for the relevant licences are similar to those of the previous ones, and the FSD has related administrative measures to coordinate the transitional arrangement for licensees and applicants.

There is a two-year transitional period under the amended DGO.  Licensees are encouraged to apply for licences according to the requirements of the new legislation within the transitional period, though licences issued under the old legislation will still be valid within the validity period originally approved.

 

In general, licensees need to replace the signages of the DG stores, as well as specifying the hazardous areas and locations of use of DG in the DG stores.  Storage of more than one type of DG in the same area requires re-examination of the compatibility of DG.

 

As for packing, marking and labelling requirements, licensees should mark and label the DG in accordance with the requirements of the new legislation.

 

Storage of the newly regulated DG requires a licence according to the requirements of the new legislation within the transitional period, during which the Fire Services Department ("FSD") will remind the person responsible of the requirements of the new legislation without instituting prosecution.  Nevertheless, for the sake of public safety, the FSD advises people who use DG to apply for relevant licences from the FSD as soon as possible.

The Fire Services Department ("FSD") has been striving to engage in effective communication with the public.  The FSD will roll out publicity and education measures through various means, including the use of online platforms, various electronic media, thematic website, brochures, etc. to enhance public understanding about the basic knowledge of DG such as their classification, exempt quantities, labelling, etc.

 

Regarding the trade,  the FSD will make use of the existing communication mechanism to conduct regular meetings, seminars and sharing sessions for different stakeholders, in order to introduce them the latest development of the DGO and other relevant licensing matters.  In addition, the FSD has issued The Code of Practice for Control of Dangerous Goods on Land to provide practical guidance for local trades so to assist them in complying with the DGO.

Dangerous Goods