Hong Kong’s new Commissioner of Customs and Excise has pledged to safeguard national security, facilitate business, and crack down on drug and cigarette trafficking.
The central government on Tuesday appointed Chan Tsz-tat, who previously served as one of the two deputy commissioners of customs, as the new commissioner of customs and excise in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, replacing Louise Ho Pui-shan, the city’s first female customs chief, who has reached retirement age.
In a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Chan emphasized that his appointment carries great responsibility, pledging to lead the Customs team in effectively fulfilling their duties.
Chan highlighted that during his tenure he will enhance Customs’ law enforcement efficiency, focusing on combating drug and cigarette trafficking, to uphold national security, economic security, and safeguard consumer rights and intellectual property.
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He mentioned that Customs will also facilitate trade and commerce, leveraging the advantages of the “one country, two systems” policy, promoting Hong Kong’s status as a shipping hub, and reinforcing the international leadership role of Hong Kong Customs.
Chan said that he will focus on internal team building, continue to promote communication between departments and frontline staff, and ensure effective talent succession planning to cultivate individuals with a national outlook and global perspective.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he is confident that Chan will lead the Customs and Excise Department in addressing the challenges ahead. He said Chan has served in the department for 30 years and possesses extensive experience in departmental operations, management, and leadership skills.
Chan, 54, joined the Customs and Excise Department as an Inspector in 1994 and was subsequently promoted to Superintendent in 2015, Senior Superintendent in 2017, Assistant Commissioner in 2020, and Deputy Commissioner in 2022.
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Wishing Ho a happy retirement, Lee said that she had made outstanding achievements in leading the department, preventing smuggling, ensuring tax payments on dutiable goods, combating drug trafficking and abuse, and protecting intellectual property and consumer rights, as well as combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Ho began her pre-retirement leave on Tuesday after serving the Customs and Excise Department for 33 years.
