Baby milk powder supply is stable

New export regulation on formula powder will ensure a stable supply for Hong Kong parents.

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man said the measure was a last resort, and hopes people from the Mainland and Hong Kong understand the reasons for its introduction. It should not affect the city’s position as a free trade port nor affect Individual Visit Scheme travelers, he said.

The new Import & Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation, which took effect on March 1, prohibits the unlicensed export of powdered formula, including milk powder and soya milk powder, for infants and children under 36 months.

Dr Ko said a shortage of powdered formula in the North and Yuen Long districts was due to parallel goods traders' bulk purchases starting in January.

The government took steps to improve supply, but the problem spread to urban areas in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island weeks later, as local mothers complained they could not reach suppliers to make orders over the phone. Stringent measures followed, including a government hotline to ensure supply, and finally a legal amendment to prevent a rebound in parallel trading after Chinese New Year.

Dr Ko said there is no shortage of baby formula at the retail level now, and law enforcement will continue to curb formula smuggling.

Chief Executive CY Leung said many Mainland residents are concerned about the export regulation on formula powder, which took effect on March 1.

Hong Kong’s import of overseas milk powder increased from 15 million kg in 2008 to 40 million kg last year, while the local birth rate increased only 17% during the same period, indicating much of the formula had been bought by parallel traders and visitors, he said.