Hong Kong Customs cracks down on unregistered precious metals dealer
Hong Kong Customs has detected a case involving an unregistered dealer conducting a specified transaction in precious metals and stones. Under anti-money laundering rules, dealers must register before handling transactions of HK$120,000 or more.
Hong Kong Customs has detected a case in which an unregistered dealer conducted a specified transaction in precious metals and stones, the government announced on 11 November 2026.
Under the city's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615), anyone who intends to carry on a business dealing in precious metals and stones in Hong Kong must register with Customs before conducting any transaction of HK$120,000 or more, whether in cash or non-cash form. Certain exemptions apply.
It is an offence for an unregistered dealer to claim to be a registered person or to claim to be authorised to conduct, or actually conduct, any cash or non-cash transaction with a total value of HK$120,000 or more. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
Customs reminded all precious metals and stones traders that they must obtain the required registration before carrying out any transaction of HK$120,000 or more in cash or non-cash form.
Application forms, procedures and guidance for registration are available on the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System website (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or the Customs website (www.customs.gov.hk/tc/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
Members of the public can report suspected unregistered transactions of HK$120,000 or more in precious metals or stones via the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, the dedicated crime-report email account ([email protected]) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).