PRESS RELEASE

(Source : Information Services Department)

Order to reduce levy rate of Business Registration Certificate gazetted today

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     The Business Registration Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2013 (Order) was gazetted today (May 24) and will be introduced into the Legislative Council on May 29.

     The Order seeks to reduce the levy rate of the Business Registration Certificate (BRC), which finances the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (the Fund), from $450 per annum to $250 per annum with effect from July 19.

     Concomitant with the favourable local economy in recent years, the Fund has recorded a decline in payout for ex gratia payment and a continual improvement in financial position. Balancing various relevant factors, the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund Board (Fund Board) made the proposal to reduce the levy rate to $250 per annum. The proposal was endorsed by the Labour Advisory Board and has gone through consultation with the Legislative Council Panel on Manpower.

     The new rate will be applicable to (1) business registration certificates to be issued on simultaneous business registration applications if the related incorporation applications are made on or after July 19 and (2) for other cases, business/branch registration certificates beginning on or after July 19.

     The Fund provides to employees whose employers become insolvent an ex gratia payment covering wages, wages in lieu of notice, severance payment and pay for untaken annual leave and untaken statutory holidays. It is financed by a levy on each BRC or branch registration certificate issued under the Business Registration Ordinance. The Fund Board has the statutory functions of administering the Fund and making recommendations to the Chief Executive with respect to the rate of levy.

Ends/Friday, May 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:13

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