Trade measures affecting stationery exports

Some stationery items originating from mainland China face anti‑dumping charges in the US and the EU. For example, cased pencils, paper clips and certain paper products such as lined paper are subject to US anti‑dumping duties, while certain ring binder mechanisms are charged against by the EU. These anti‑dumping charges may affect Hong Kong businesses with production facilities in mainland China.

There is also rising concern about product safety. Certain stationery products, such as pens, pencils and drawing instruments, are required to meet international safety standards before entering overseas markets, particularly the US and the EU. For example, the EU’s Toy Safety Directive lays down safety requirements for products designed and intended for use in play by children below 14 years old, including colouring or painting articles, chalk and finger paint.

Although compliance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) is not mandatory, Japanese consumers tend to expect stationery and office supplies to meet such standards, or even more stringent ones.

Consumers have also started to show concern about production processes. They prefer ethical manufacturing characterised by fair labour treatment, a healthy work environment, and the enforcement of environmentally‑friendly practices.