Hong Kong should take care lifting two-tin milk cap

When the controversial restriction on infant milk formula was introduced early this year to combat rampant cross-border trading, the government made clear that it would be reviewed at the appropriate time. The two-tin cap on outbound travellers, as officials repeatedly stressed, was to ensure an adequate supply for local consumption. So when the situation stabilises, the restrictions should be removed.

Whether the time is ripe to drop the cap is a matter for officials to decide. A government consultant is testing the supply across the city as mainland visitors arrive for shopping and sightseeing during the National Day holiday. This involves posing as customers to buy en masse from outlets and placing orders through a hotline. If the supply proves to be satisfactory, lawmakers will be asked to lift the cap. These are cautious steps to ensure the restrictions will not be dropped hastily.

The restriction was introduced in good faith to protect the interests of local residents. It understandably led to cross-border tensions and raised questions over our status as a free-trade economy. The way in which it was rushed through was troubling. Not only was it misunderstood as a measure targeting mainlanders, enforcement was also confusing. Some travellers carrying rice-based baby cereal were wrongly prosecuted. In what is seen as a hint of discontent over the saga, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Wang Guangya urged local officials to be more sensitive about policies that might have an impact on the mainland.

Reports of pharmacies stockpiling to have sufficient supply during a test are disturbing. The health chief rightly pointed out the cap should only be lifted when local supplies would not be affected. His concerns of a re-emergence of hoarding and parallel trading are valid. The last thing the government wants is to make a U-turn to reintroduce the cap. Officials should also work closely with suppliers and distributors to ensure adequate supply across the city for locals and visitors.