Q1. How can I apply to become a VASP?
An applicant must first register a Trade Single Window (“TSW”) Company/Organisation (Administrator) account. The applicant should then complete the application form for the proposed tier and submit it together with the required supporting documents.
Applications submitted in 2026 must be made using the paper application form and sent to the Customs and Excise Department (“C&ED”) by email, in person or by post. From January 2027, applications must be submitted electronically through the TSW system.
For details, please visit “Public Services” > “Value-added Service Provider (VASP)” > “How to Apply” on the TSW website and refer to the latest Practice Guidelines.
Q2. Is an application fee payable to the Government when applying to become a VASP?
At present, no application fee is payable to the Government.
Q3. What are the respective application requirements for Tier-I and Tier-II VASPs?
The main differences concern the scope of services and the application requirements:
- Tier-I VASPs may transmit only specified information that does not involve the collection or payment of government charges, levies or fees, and are subject to simpler application requirements; and
- Tier-II VASPs may transmit a broader range of specified information, including information involving government charges, levies or fees. Given the higher financial and compliance risks, applicants must submit more detailed information and undertakings, such as a Fit and Proper Person Declaration, financial information, a business plan, and arrangements for a hotline and Electronic Trading Access Service (“ETAS”) service counter(s).
For details, please refer to the TSW website and the latest Practice Guidelines.
Q4. What criteria does C&ED use to assess VASP applications?
C&ED assesses applications against the criteria set out in the Practice Guidelines, focusing on whether the applicant is fit and proper to provide value-added services (“VASes”) and has the required operational, technical and financial capabilities.
The criteria in the Practice Guidelines are not exhaustive. In accordance with the Governing Ordinances, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise (“the Commissioner”) may have regard to the information, business plan, proposals and undertakings submitted by the applicant, as well as other relevant circumstances. Please refer to the latest Practice Guidelines for details.
Q5. Does a VASP approval have a fixed validity period?
A VASP approval remains in effect unless and until it is suspended or revoked by the Commissioner in accordance with the Governing Ordinances.
Q6. Is there a deadline for applying to become a VASP?
No. C&ED currently accepts applications throughout the year. The application arrangements and indicative processing time vary depending on the mode of application, the tier applied for and whether the information submitted is complete.
Q7. How will applicants be notified of their application results?
After completing its assessment, C&ED will notify applicants as follows:
- Paper applications: by email; or
- Electronic applications submitted through the TSW system: by email and a system notification.
If an application is refused, C&ED will provide the reason(s). The applicant may submit supplementary information or clarification in writing within 14 calendar days after receiving the notice or becoming aware of the refusal decision, whichever is later. C&ED may review the application again in light of the new information.
Q8. Will the Government limit the number of approved VASPs?
The Government has not set a limit on the number of approved VASPs.
Each application will nevertheless be assessed individually. In accordance with the Governing Ordinances, the Practice Guidelines and the circumstances of the case, the Commissioner will decide whether to grant approval and may impose such terms and conditions as considered appropriate.